Man charged over online abuse towards ex-Celtic chairman Peter Lawell

A man has been charged over online abuse towards the former Celtic chairman Peter Lawwell.

Lawwell, 66, stood down from the role at the end of December, citing “abuse and threats from some sources” which had “dismayed and alarmed” his family.

The club’s board had been the subject of fan protests following a disappointing summer transfer window, a Champions League exit and the fact they trail leaders Hearts in the Scottish Premiership.

Police confirmed on Sunday that a man had now been charged in connection with an online communication offence between 14 and 17 December.

A Police Scotland spokesperson added: “He was issued a recorded police warning.”

Lawwell, who became Celtic chief executive in 2003 and presided over the club for 18 years, was the victim of a fire attack on his South Lanarkshire home in May 2021, when three cars were set alight.

Last month he said it was “with sadness” that he was ending his three-year spell as chairman.

He said: “I believe I 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.

“They 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.

“The motivations and aims of these detractors can be investigated by others. I prefer to look back on my career at Celtic with deep gratitude and satisfaction.”