'These thugs don't represent me' - Celtic fans react to 'Shoot the board' banners outside stadium

Celtic fans have taken to social media to slam threatening messages hung outside the club’s stadium as part of the ongoing protests against the manager and board.

Police have been regularly called to Celtic Park as fans gather to protest against Dermot Desmond, Neil Lennon, and Peter Lawwell

On Tuesday night banners appeared outside Celtic Park with various messages such as “Lennon out”, “Despot Desmond”, and perhaps most worryingly, “shoot the board”.

Also included were messages stating “Lawwell out”, and “FC not PLC” while photos emerged on social media of a group of fans holding up a banner reading: “Desmond, Lawwell, Lennon: The men who blew the 10!”

Police have been in regular attendance at the Hoops stadium since a number of supporters gathered following Celtic's Betfred Cup exit at the hands of Ross County to protest against Neil Lennon's tenure and the board’s handling of the situation. The club’s hierarchy has already publicly backed Lennon.

The sinister messages were attached to fences surrounding the perimeter of Celtic Park around 48 hours before the club's dead rubber Europa League match against Lille.

Several supporters who have voiced their concern at performances on the pitch condemned the messages.

Martin McLaughlin wrote: “[Does] whoever put up the banner ‘Shoot the Board’ want to be brave enough and own up and take responsibility? Protests all day long but that has no place in the world. Total pond life.”

A similar “Shoot the Board" banner was displayed by Hoops pressure group Celts for Change in 1993 and some fans suggested the banner was a reference to those demonstrations.

Paul McQueen said: “Lots of people not getting the "Shoot the board" reference and jumping right in with two feet.” Another account tweeting from the handle @bhoysviews added: “It’s ridiculous how badly people are missing the reference and the fact that nobody “actually “ wants to shoot the board.”

Paul Beer questioned: “Dermot Desmond's net worth is £2.2 billion. Who do the ‘sack the board’ folks want in his place?”

Louis Balfour wanted to know: “Even if Desmond gave up the reigns and Lawwell departed, who in their right minds would buy into the club when met with banners that say Shoot the Board? I know the trust is up and running but is there the financial clout to start buying up shares to have a voice at the table?”

Not everyone was in complete disagreement. Marc Cairney wrote: “Fantastic, good on them. It’s got to be relentless, let’s not stop til it’s heard.”

Brian Fox added: “Fair play – this is the only way to voice our concerns even though we've always been ignored, change is needed now.”

Stevie Chalmers tweeted: “That “shoot the board” banner is embarrassing" while Tam McKenna agreed: “It doesn't do the fans any favours.”

One fan pointed out: “These are the same hypocrites who organised a vigil for Neil Lennon after he was being sent bullets in the post. The Green Brigade should be given life bans.”

Jack Todd said: “That is beyond a joke; this isn’t the Celtic at all…”

Another Hoops fan reasoned: “Don’t think putting up “shoot the board” banners is going to be the catalyst that enacts change. Metaphorically speaking or not.”

Kevin Barron added: “Freedom of speech and opinion and all that but 'shoot the board'? That’s a new low even for the ones cooing over the new signings who are now ‘mince’.”

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