The president of the Scottish giant Celtic Peter Lawwell at the end of the year he will leave the club due to “abuse and threats”. Lawwell will step down on December 31 and will be replaced by current CEO Brian Wilson, the club announced.
“It is with sadness that I announce my decision to step down as chairman of Celtic. I believe that my 18 years as chief executive and three years as chairman of the club have demonstrated my ability to face and overcome challenges on many fronts, but the abuse and threats from some sources have increased and are now intolerable,” said Lawwell’s statement on the club’s website.
“The threats have horrified and upset my family. At this stage in my life, I don’t need this. I can’t accept it and that’s why I’m leaving the club I’ve loved all my life,” he added.
During his more than 20 years at the club, Celtic won 38 trophies, regularly appeared in European cups, Celtic Park was modernized and a training center was built in Lennoxtown.
Chief executive Michael Nicholson added that it was a “sad day for Celtic” and that the threats against Lawwell and his family were “totally unacceptable”.
Celtic have struggled on and off the pitch this season, with their annual general meeting in November canceled due to a row between management and fans. The meeting was adjourned less than five minutes into chants of “remove the board of directors.”
Celtic is currently second in the Scottish championship with 32 points, six less than the leading Hearts, but Celtic also has two games less, reports Gol.hr.
(Vijesti.ba)
