INTOLERABLE

'The threats 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...'

- MARK MCGIVERN

CELTIC chairman Peter Lawwell has stepped down after being targeted by "intolerable abuse and threats".

The Record understands that the last straw came for the club supremo after his home address was posted online at the weekend.

Club CEO Michael Nicholson also revealed three club officials were assaulted at Celtic Park in the aftermath of Sunday's League Cup defeat to St Mirren.

He said: "Those are behaviours that we've seen from perhaps a very small minority of the Celtic support but those are behaviours that are completely unacceptable." Lawwell's home and family were targeted in a firebomb attack in 2021, which was not connected to current fan demonstrations.

In a statement last night, Lawwell revealed why he is quitting during a tumultuous time for the club.

He said: "It is with sadness that I announce my decision to stand down as chairman of Celtic FC.

"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.