Celtic fan anger has reached boiling point as a prominent supporters’ group has vowed not to hand over “another penny” to the club in protest at what they describe as chaotic transfer business.
With the January window now open, many fans expected decisive action from the Hoops hierarchy. Instead, frustration continues to grow, with supporters claiming the club’s leadership has failed to learn lessons from a disastrous summer and a damaging start to the 2025/26 campaign.
Fans draw a line in the sand
The fan group confirmed they will not return to Parkhead, nor spend money on tickets or merchandise, until they see clear evidence of ambition in the transfer market. They argue that repeated windows of underinvestment have left the squad short in key areas.
That anger intensified after Celtic’s Champions League hopes were crushed in the play-off round by Kairat Almaty, a result that many supporters believe exposed long-standing weaknesses in the squad.
AGM fury and boardroom pressure
Tensions had already been simmering and finally boiled over at November’s Annual General Meeting. Senior figures were confronted by angry shareholders and supporters demanding answers over recruitment strategy and long-term planning.
Non-executive chairman Peter Lawwell, who has since confirmed he will step down at the end of the year, was among those put under the spotlight, along with Ross Desmond, son of major shareholder Dermot Desmond, as questions over ambition dominated proceedings.
January business fails to calm nerves
Celtic have made a move in the current window with the loan signing of Mexico international Julian Araujo from Bournemouth. However, that deal has done little to soothe unrest, coming just days before Wilfried Nancy and Head of Football Operations Paul Tisdale were shown the door.
Martin O’Neill’s return for a third spell in charge has provided a sense of nostalgia, but fans remain unconvinced that sentiment alone will fix structural problems. While O’Neill has played down a reunion with Kyogo Furuhashi, he insists work is ongoing to strengthen the squad.
Transfer links and rising expectations
The champions have been linked with several potential recruits, including Hajduk Split midfielder Niko Sigur, with reports suggesting a deal was close before recent changes behind the scenes stalled progress.
Up front, questions remain over firepower. Celtic legend Chris Sutton has urged his former club to show real intent by pushing the boat out for West Ham striker Callum Wilson, a move that would signal serious ambition.
Supporter trust at breaking point
For now, trust between the club and sections of the support appears badly damaged. Fans believe promises of improvement have been made too often without being backed up by action.
Unless Celtic deliver meaningful reinforcements before the window shuts, the threat of empty seats and ongoing protest could become a defining subplot of the season.
Conclusion
Celtic’s transfer strategy has placed the club on a collision course with its own supporters. With anger still raw and patience wearing thin, the pressure is firmly on the board to prove they are serious about competing at the highest level. Fail to act, and the divide between Parkhead and the stands may only deepen further.
Co-Founder of Fitba Focus and MMA UK. A lifelong Rangers fan and former player, he combines over a decade of sports media experience with a deep-seated passion for the Scottish game. From the Ibrox stands to the lower-league terraces, Frankie is dedicated to providing honest, fan-led analysis of the full Scottish pyramid.
