Peter Lawwell, a towering figure in Celtic’s modern history, is stepping down as the club’s chairman at the end of December 2025, citing what he describes as “intolerable” levels of abuse and threats directed at him and his family. The decision marks the end of a combined 21-year leadership era for Lawwell, who previously served as chief executive for 18 years before taking on the role of chairman in 2022. His departure comes at a time of significant turbulence for the Scottish champions, both on and off the pitch.
Lawwell’s resignation, effective December 31, was announced in a heartfelt statement on the club’s website and has sent shockwaves through the Celtic community. “I believe that my 18 years as chief executive and three years as chairman at the club have shown my ability to meet and overcome challenges on many fronts, but abuse and threats from some sources have increased and are now intolerable,” Lawwell wrote. “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 backdrop to Lawwell’s departure is a season beset by fan unrest and disappointing results. Celtic supporters have staged several protests, criticizing the board for what they see as a lackluster summer transfer window and the club’s failure to qualify for the Champions League. The team currently sits six points behind Hearts in the Scottish Premiership, albeit with two games in hand—a far cry from the domestic dominance fans have come to expect.
The frustration reached a boiling point after Celtic’s defeat in the Premier Sports Cup final against St Mirren on December 14, 2025. The loss marked the third consecutive defeat for new manager Wilfried Nancy, who was appointed following the resignation of Brendan Rodgers in October. Nancy, who arrived from MLS club Columbus Crew, has struggled to steady the ship, and the pressure on the board has only intensified.
Fan anger has not been limited to the stands. After the League Cup final, three staff members were reportedly assaulted at Celtic Park, an incident that club chief executive Michael Nicholson condemned as “completely unacceptable.” Nicholson, reflecting on Lawwell’s resignation, said, “It is a sad day for Celtic. The abuse and threats directed towards Peter, and the impact on his family, are completely unacceptable. Such conduct will never be tolerated by the club.”
Lawwell’s tenure has not been without its dangers. In May 2021, his South Lanarkshire home was targeted in a fire attack in which three cars were set alight. Though no one was injured, the incident left a lasting mark on Lawwell and his family, foreshadowing the personal toll that would eventually lead to his departure.
Supporters’ groups have been vocal in their criticism of the board, particularly regarding the club’s financial management and transfer dealings. The Celtic Trust accused Lawwell of “gaslighting” fans over the 2024-25 accounts, claiming the board’s failure to adequately replace departing players led to the Champions League exit and a significant dip in revenue. The tension boiled over at the club’s annual general meeting, which was disrupted by protests and chants of “sack the board.”
Despite the current turmoil, Lawwell’s legacy at Celtic is substantial. Under his stewardship, the club has enjoyed an unprecedented period of domestic success, lifting 38 cups or league titles and consistently competing in European competitions. Lawwell also oversaw major infrastructure projects, including the construction of the club’s training center at Lennoxtown, the development of Barrowfield, and significant upgrades to Celtic Park.
Reflecting on his time at the club, Lawwell shared, “My time at the club has brought joy to someone whose memories as a Celtic fan include standing as a schoolboy on the terraces as the European Cup was paraded at Celtic Park on that magical night in 1967. I have subsequently watched some great European nights at Paradise and am proud that the club has played group-stage football in all but two of the last 21 years while also enjoying domestic dominance.”
Principal shareholder Dermot Desmond offered a heartfelt tribute, stating, “I am personally very sorry to lose Peter as our chairman, but I understand and respect his decision in light of recent events and what he has endured. As chief executive, Peter was the driving force of the club and, in his later role as chairman, he oversaw board affairs. Peter has witnessed 38 cup or title triumphs in his time at the club, a period of extraordinary domestic dominance for us as we have also competed in European football.”
With Lawwell’s resignation, non-executive director Brian Wilson will assume the role of interim chairman beginning December 31, 2025, while the search for a permanent replacement begins. Wilson acknowledged the challenges ahead, remarking, “What we are trying to do is part of a process of change. Hopefully the problems everybody recognises have arisen in recent times can be addressed.”
Meanwhile, the club’s leadership is moving quickly to address on-field issues. Chief executive Michael Nicholson revealed that meetings have been held to discuss signing targets for the upcoming January transfer window and the next season, signaling the board’s intent to back manager Wilfried Nancy despite the rocky start. Nicholson emphasized, “The board’s support for the Frenchman is absolutely solid despite a disappointing and challenging start.”
As Celtic prepares to face Dundee United at Tannadice, the mood among supporters remains tense. Banners protesting against the board were displayed during the team’s midweek fixture, underscoring the ongoing disconnect between the club’s hierarchy and its passionate fanbase. With the team’s form faltering and the board under intense scrutiny, the coming weeks promise to be pivotal for the future direction of the club.
Lawwell leaves behind a complex legacy—a period of undeniable success shadowed by recent discord and personal hardship. His departure signals the end of an era for Celtic, ushering in a period of uncertainty but also, perhaps, opportunity for renewal. The board’s next moves, both in the search for a new chairman and in supporting the team on the pitch, will be watched closely by fans and critics alike. For now, Celtic must regroup and refocus as they look to reclaim their place at the summit of Scottish football.
