FORMER Celtic director Willie Haughey has urged frustrated fans to “back off” amid protests about the current board.
The supporters are calling for Dermot Desmond, the principal shareholder, chairman Peter Lawwell and chief executive Michael Nicholson to be removed from their posts at the champions.
The club’s followers are showing their disappointment at the shock Champions League exit to a team ranked 311th in UEFA ratings and the lack of investment in the summer transfer window.
However, Haughey, who was involved in the club’s 1994 turnaround following the arrival of Fergus McCann to bring an end to the White-Kelly-Grant dynasty at Parkhead during a turbulent time for the club.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT…Celtic supremo Dermot Desmond.
Irish double billionaire Desmond also played an important role in the revamp of the ailing organisation with the team now enjoying phenomenal success in the 21st Century with FORTY-THREE honours, including 13 title titles in the past 14 years.
Haughey said: “I saw Brendan’s last press comments were good and it looks as if there’s a bit of healing.
“It looks like peace is breaking out. Hopefully, that is the case.
“Everybody is disappointed to go out of the Champions League and in a couple of the performances, but, overall, if you think about the 30 years before that and all the hard times, we’ve actually been spoilt the last 15 years or so.”
Businessman Haughey, speaking to the PLZ Soccer, added: “I would just say that Dermot and his involvement with the club has put us where we are.
“Let’s back off a wee bit and keep supporting the team.”
The fans staged a 12-minute delayed arrival before the champions’ dramatic late 2-1 triumph over Kilmarnock at Rugby Park on Sunday.
The holders go into action again on Sunday when they travel across the city to take on Partick Thistle in the Premier Sports League Cup quarter-final at Firhill.
