If it was intended to build bridges it back-fired spectacularly.
Peter Lawwell looked pale and drawn as he sat down with Gerry McCulloch to attempt an apology for the club’s trip to Dubai and the spectacular fall out.
True he did apologise but after getting that awkward part out of the way the Celtic CEO went on at great length to justify the trip that left 13 players self isolating and Gavin Strachan in charge of a team that drew at home to Hibs.
It was the first time this year that Lawwell has spoken out, two days earlier the club had issued a defiant statement defending and justifying the trip to Dubai.
Soon after that statement Celtic were the subject of the opening question at the First Minister’s media conference with even the most ardent of supporters struggling to put up a defence.
The closing months of 2020 made for difficult viewing for Celtic fans, the opening fortnight of 2020 has been even more testing with very little from the CEO providing reassurance that those responsible have any understanding of the fans/customers.
A Message to Our Supporters.
— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) January 13, 2021
It had to be dragged out of you but better late than never. Now sack the managerial team and resign. HH
— Celtic Gossip (@CelticGossip) January 13, 2021
Roll up ..Roll up
Season tickets on sale shortly. ?
— Tam (@TamMcKenna1888) January 13, 2021
Comical Lawli pic.twitter.com/Yz2l05R717
— North Curve Celtic (@NCCeltic) January 13, 2021
Sack the fat cats in the boardroom, and the clueless tramps in the dugout and start again.
— Lennadona (@CellicFC) January 13, 2021
Utterly appalling response.
— HoopedCorteo (@HCorteo) January 13, 2021
“I’m sorry”
“But this is why I was right….”
Apologising for something he has zero remorse for. They still don’t see what they done as wrong.
Only apologising because you feel it will make the situation better. A fake, forced apology has just made it worse.
— Paul McQueen (@queenmachine67) January 13, 2021
If the club seriously believes the UAE trip is the most important matter that needs addressed then you have no idea what or where your ‘customer’ base is at. Waken up and address the football decline.
— rtb (@batumi95) January 13, 2021
Well that just added to the embarrassment of the whole fiasco. Not renewing my season ticket until there is a complete clean out at board and management level. For the sake of the club GO NOW.
— Dà ibhidh (@Celtusthechief) January 13, 2021