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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
Aidan Smith

'We will not sell the club' Ross Desmond knocks back Celtic Saudi takeover talk

Ross Desmond insists Celtic will not be sold during his lifetime as he responded to questions over a possible Saudi sale.

The son of Celtic's largest single shareholder Dermot is fully invested in the Scottish champions and he is committed to ensuring the club will be a success moving forward.

Desmond represented his father at today's Celtic AGM and he was quizzed on his family's future involvement in the club.

One shareholder asked about a possible Saudi takeover ever taking place, but Desmond put those fears to bed. 

He said: “My father grew up a huge Celtic fan. We don’t consider ourselves as shareholders, we are custodians.

“In his lifetime and mine, we will not sell the club.”

Meanwhile, Celtic have continued to incur the wrath of UEFA after being fined 29,000 euros (£25,224) for incidents involving their supporters at last month’s Champions League draw at home to Atletico Madrid.

Following a night when fans defied the club’s pleas not to bring flags or banners relating to the war in the Middle East, the Hoops were fined 17,500 euros (£15,222) for displaying “a provocative message of an offensive nature”.

Celtic were also fined 8,000 euros (£6,960) for their supporters blocking public passageways and 3,500 euros (£3,044) for the lighting of fireworks.

Atletico were also sanctioned for issues surrounding the 2-2 draw in Glasgow on 25 October.

The Spanish club were fined 3,000 euros (£2,610) for the lighting of fireworks, while they received a warning for the “improper conduct of the team”.

The punishment in the wake of the Atletico showdown represents the third time in three Champions League matches this term that Celtic have been hit with a financial penalty.

The Parkhead club were fined 23,400 euros after fans lit fireworks in the stands ahead of their group opener against Feyenoord in Rotterdam, and then, following their second match at home to Lazio, they had to pay 20,000 euros for offensive banners as well as 3,500 euros for the use of fireworks among their supporters.

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