On their doorstep- Celtic Collective make their mark

With Willie Maley and Brother Walfrid looking on, the Celtic Fans Collective took their protests to the heart of the club.

Ahead of the match against Falkirk several thousand fans gathered at 7pm to express their anger at the way that the club is run.

The events since Sunday’s defeat away to Hearts at Tynecastle underlined how poorly the issues inside Celtic’s hierarchy.

Not a single word has been uttered by the CEO or Chairman. Making a rare appearance at a match Peter Lawwell joined Michael Nicholson at the 4-0 win over Falkirk.

Dermot Desmond has created much of the heat in recent days. Celtic biggest shareholder, with a holding of 35% made a rare appearance for the match.

The protest was good natured with chants of support for the team heard alongside calls for change.

MAKING MOMENTUM

Remarkably the Collective was only named six weeks ago but the actions and inactions of Celtic have ensured rapid growth.

An open letter fronted by the Green Brigade on September 3 set the ball in motion.

Within three days a senior figure at the club was attacking Brendan Rodgers in The Sun followed by an incredible 1030 word statement.

Over 80 supporter groups were represented at a public meeting on September 10, on September 20 the Collective was named. Well publicised demonstrations were held at the matches away to Kilmarnock and Hibs.

Following a 12 minute silence at home to Hibs a meeting was held with fans involving Nicholson and Chris McKay. The fans in attendance were amazed at the arrogance and how detached the club executives were.

On the back of that meeting the Collective launched their NOT ANOTHER PENNY campaign. Fans have been urged to withhold all spending outside of match tickets, already this action is having an impact.

Without a permanent manager and apparently being run from afar by Desmond Celtic’s AGM on November 21 promises to be very lively.