The Irish billionaire and de factor owner has been a no show at the shareholders summit for two decades and supporters want him to face the music

The Celtic Fans Collective has demanded Dermot Desmond faces the music at the upcoming annual general meeting.

The Parkhead major shareholder has not made a AGM appearance at the for 20 years – despite having the power behind the scenes at the club. Celtic have yet to announce a date for the shareholders meeting but stock market rules mean it has to happen before the turn of the year.

Twelve months ago Desmond sent son Ross as his representative – whose explosive speech on behalf of the family caused the outcry which led to the plug being pulled. The Collective supporters group want the main man to front up in a statement.

It said: "For twenty years, Dermot Desmond has not attended Celtic's Annual General Meeting, despite wielding considerable influence over the direction and decision-making of our club. Although only a minority shareholder, Desmond appears to exercise influence far beyond his shareholding.

"With that influence comes a responsibility to be accountable. We call on Dermot Desmond to publicly commit to attending the 2026 AGM in person and answer questions about his role in the running of Celtic Football Club. Sending his son, another representative or a prepared statement in his place is no substitute for attending personally.”

Celtic fans want answers from the club’s officials over recent frustrations but they are out to avoid a repeat of last year’s AGM chaos – when then chairman Peter Lawwell called a halt amid shareholders voicing their anger.

The statement said: “The decision by Peter Lawwell to prematurely conclude last year's AGM left a clear impression among supporters that the Board had taken an opportunity to avoid scrutiny. Responsibility for how that meeting was conducted and ultimately concluded rests entirely with the Board.

"This year, however, the focus must be firmly on scrutiny rather than protest. There is a clear understanding across the support that the AGM must provide the opportunity for important questions to be put directly to those running the Club, without allowing scrutiny to be evaded once again.

"Celtic supporters have repeatedly sought meaningful dialogue and a more constructive relationship with the Club. At a time when fans want to see decisive leadership, a public commitment from Dermot Desmond to attend the AGM in good faith would be an important demonstration of his willingness to engage directly with supporters and shareholders."