Former Celtic boss frustrated by fan stand off with Parkhead board.
Celtic supporters' decision to stage a tennis-ball protest aimed at principal shareholder Dermot Desmond in St Andrews has been deemed “completely unacceptable” by one of their former managers.
Earlier this month, Desmond was participating in the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship on the Old Course when his round was interrupted by a group of individuals in balaclavas throwing tennis balls onto the 15th green, sparking a war of words between the club and the Celtic Fan Collective.
The incident was one of many between the Celtic board and the champions’ supporters, with several protests taking place over the last 12 months due to concerns over how the club is being run. However, former Hoops manager Gordon Strachan believes the demonstrations have now gone too far, and called on them both to have an “open conversation” and settle things once and for all.
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“Celtic fans protesting against Dermot Desmond? There are appropriate ways for supporters to express frustration,” said Strachan. “But throwing objects or disrupting events crosses the line. Open communication is essential here. Both sides need to understand each other's challenges before constructive discussions can happen. Crossing into hostile behaviour accomplishes nothing. That's no way to start any conversation.”
Meanwhile, on the international front, Strachan believes in-form Rangers left-back James Penrice is showing that he has what it takes to challenge Celtic left-back Kieran Tierney, and captain Andy Robertson, for a place in the Scotland national team in the months to come. Reflecting on the progress Penrice has made since completing a season-long loan move from AEK Athens to Ibrox in September, the ex-Scotland boss admits he considered signing him for Dundee, where he has been the club’s Technical Director since 2019.
“When I was Scotland manager, we were blessed with left-backs like Andy Robertson, Kieran Tierney, Stephen Kingsley, and Lee Wallace,” Strachan told BOYLE Sports. “James Penrice has been very impressive for Rangers, showing great versatility and crossing quality. He's been an impressive kid. He was at Livingston and started off with Partick Thistle.
“We've all had a look at him and Hearts were the brave ones that took him. I think we did inquire at Dundee but we weren't right for the young lad at the time. He did well at Partick Thistle, Livingston, and Hearts before moving to Rangers. Having said that, replacing Robertson and Tierney long-term is a massive ask, but Penrice has proven himself to be a quality, adaptable player so far.”