Glasgow Celtic protest: Peter Lawwell and Dermot Desmond 'don't care about fans'

That's the view of the chief of the Parkhead outfit's trust who believes the club's hierarchy doesn't care about fans. 

Jeanette Findlay was speaking outside Celtic Park this afternoon as hundreds of supporters gathered to show their frustrations at events on the park. 

Pictures: Fans gather outside Celtic Park for third protest

The Hoops currently trail Rangers in their quest to win a historic tenth title in a row and were knocked out of the Betfred Cup by Ross County a fortnight ago. 

"The board, who are responsible for all of this, whose job it is to make sure we have a successful team on the park, have had nothing to say," Ms Findlay said. "Absolutely nothing. 

"They have not been listening. They can see what we can see but instead of coming forward with a contingency plan, they have said nothing.

"The first time they had anything to say, was to criticise supporters for coming and protesting." 

It is the third successive Sunday where fans have come together in the East End to have their voices heard following protests after the cup defeat and a league draw to St Johnstone. 

But, unlike previous occasions, the event had been arranged beforehand by the Celtic Trust in a bid to avoid a repeat of "disappointing scenes" where a minority of supporters clashed with police. 

In pictures: Celtic fans protest outside Parkhead as they call for Neil Lennon to be axed

"We are perfectly entitled as fans to call on that board to do their job," Ms Findlay told fans this afternoon. "The job they are paid for. 

Supporters held up a banner in front of Parkhead

"It's not our job, it's theirs and we fund it. I'd like to remind all of the people, who have had something to say about us wanting to protest, those directors would not be sitting in their nice heated comfy seats had it not been for people like us in 1994. 

"You've got nothing to apologise for and you are here to support your team.

"If you want change, then we, the fans' body, has to take control of this club. That's the only way we can have some say and to not leave it to people who don't care about us, who don't care about the fact we have had to come out here and stand in this horrible, because they refuse to speak to us." 

In a statement released earlier this week in response to the planned rally, Celtic said: "Following the announcement of a proposed gathering at Celtic Park this Sunday, December 13, ahead of our league game against Kilmarnock, the Club fully understands the concern and frustration amongst supporters following recent results and performances, but clearly, we do not believe staging an event of this kind is in the best interests of supporters, the team or the Club in general, particularly just prior to the match.

"For important clarification, in the present circumstances and given the health risk of gatherings of any kind, the Club has not agreed to any gathering taking place. Celtic Football Club is not involved in the organisation of the proposed gathering.

"The Club is also duty-bound to point out that it has received legal and safety advice indicating that, if strict social distancing and applicable Scottish Guidance are not implemented, any such gathering would breach current legislation – something the Club would wish all supporters to be aware of.

"As is always the case, the Club is, of course, happy to engage with supporters and supporter groups to understand and discuss concerns, and the Club encourages supporters to raise their concerns with the Club directly. Indeed, following a recent request, we look forward to meeting The Celtic Trust next week."

Superintendent Stevie Dolan, of Greater Glasgow Division, said: “Officers attended a planned protest at Celtic Park on the afternoon of Sunday, 13 December. Officers engaged with those who attended, gave advice, no arrests were made and the gathering dispersed.

“We will continue to police these types of event using the 4Es approach of engaging with those taking part and explaining the restrictions in place to save lives.

“Our response will be measured and proportionate but we will use enforcement where required if there is a clear breach of the legislation."