Police enquiries continue after Celtic fan protest targets Desmond at St Andrews

Police Scotland said enquiries were continuing after tennis balls were thrown onto a golf course in St Andrews on Saturday, where Celtic's largest individual shareholder, Dermot Desmond, was taking part in the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship. STV News reported that police were aware of the incident at around 2pm and had received no reports of injuries.

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According to BBC Sport, the protest took place at the 15th green during the pro-am competition. Tennis balls carrying crossed-out pictures of the 76-year-old's face were thrown towards him. The BBC reported that images from the incident showed security personnel escorting Desmond off the course.

The Celtic Fans Collective subsequently published footage and photographs alongside a statement criticising Desmond's relationship with supporters. As reported by STV News, the group accused him of using his wealth to avoid accountability and said fans had acted to communicate their opposition to that arrangement. Those criticisms were the supporters' group's stated position.

The protest follows criticism of Celtic's European performances and transfer business, BBC Sport reported. The broadcaster also recalled Desmond's response to Brendan Rodgers' resignation at the start of last season: he attributed much of the difficulty surrounding the opening of the 2025-26 campaign to the former manager.

Tensions were also evident at Celtic's annual general meeting last November, which was abandoned amid supporter unrest, according to the BBC. Desmond's son Ross read a statement on his father's behalf at that meeting. It defended then chairman Peter Lawwell and chief executive Michael Nicholson, while rejecting hostile criticism of the board and challenging the conduct of a section of the support.

Saturday's incident occurred during the third round of a tournament being played across St Andrews, Carnoustie and Kingsbarns. Golf Monthly's tournament coverage confirmed the October 1-4 schedule and the three-course format. The event brings professional golfers and amateur partners together, but the protest concerned Desmond's role at Celtic. Police enquiries remained ongoing in the statement carried by STV News.