Celtic chairman Peter Lawwell will leave the club’s board at the end of December 2025, stating that rising abuse and threats have become impossible to tolerate. Lawwell confirmed the decision after a turbulent
period on and off the pitch, with supporter unrest aimed at the board and continuing pressure over the team’s domestic form and European failures.
This season’s frustration among Celtic supporters has centred on a poor summer transfer window, a failed attempt to reach the Champions League group stage, and a league position below Hearts. Celtic trail Hearts by six points in the Scottish Premiership, although the team holds two games in hand that could narrow the gap.
Lawwell first joined Celtic in 2003 as chief executive and stayed in that role for 18 years. After stepping away, Lawwell returned to Celtic Park two years ago as non-executive chairman. During Lawwell’s time in Glasgow, Celtic lifted 38 trophies, a period that also included regular participation in European competitions alongside long spells of domestic success.
Explaining the personal strain behind the decision, Lawwell said the level of hostility has grown beyond what can be accepted. "I believe I have shown my ability toovercome challenges on many fronts, but abuse and threats from some sources have increased and are now intolerable, Lawwell said. They have dismayed and alarmed my family. At this stage in my life, I don't need this. I cannot accept this, and so I leave the club I have loved all my life. The motivations and aims of these detractors can be investigated by others. I prefer to look back on my career at Celtic with deep gratitude and satisfaction. "
Principal shareholder Dermot Desmond highlighted Lawwell’s influence across many areas of the club. Desmond noted stadium upgrades at Celtic Park and the creation of the club’s training centre as important parts of Lawwell’s legacy. "I am personally very sorry to lose Peter, but I understand and respect his decision in light of recent events and what he has endured, Desmond added. "
Desmond also pointed to Lawwell’s central role in Celtic’s structure, first as chief executive and later as chairman overseeing board matters. During that span, Celtic recorded 38 cup or league title wins, which Desmond described as a spell of strong domestic dominance, while the club also continued to feature in European football during several campaigns.
Recent managerial changes have added further instability around Celtic chairman Peter Lawwell. Brendan Rodgers resigned as head coach in October, with Martin O'Neill stepping in on a temporary basis and lifting results for a short spell. Earlier in December 2025, Wilfried Nancy was appointed, but Nancy has lost all three matches so far in all competitions before Wednesday’s trip to Dundee United.
Peter Lawwell to stand down as ChairmanCeltic Football Club (@CelticFC) December 17, 2025
The departure of Celtic chairman Peter Lawwell will see the club lose a long-serving figure who shaped its modern era on and off the field. While others will assess the critics Lawwell referred to, the club now must manage leadership change, ongoing supporter unease, and the challenge of catching Hearts in the league during the remainder of the 2025-26 season.
