Celtic fan media should not be collectively blamed for one disgraceful comment.

Celtic fan media cannot fairly be treated as one collective voice simply because one individual or podcast makes an unacceptable remark. That is the central argument being made amid renewed criticism of supporters’ media outlets and their relationship with the Celtic board.

The latest controversy began after an obscure podcast reportedly made a disgraceful comment about Dermot Desmond. The writer strongly distances himself and his own platform from those remarks, stressing that the views of one contributor should not automatically be attributed to every Celtic fan media outlet.

25th October 2026; Easter Road Stadium, Edinburgh, Scotland; Scottish Premiership Football, Hibernian versus Celtic; Celtic fans banner The reputation of Celtic FC is non negotiable

One comment should not define everyone

The author argues that whoever made the statement should be judged on their own actions. He suggests the comment could attract police attention given the current focus on disorder surrounding football, but insists that it has nothing to do with other Celtic supporter sites or podcasts.

8th March 2026; Ibrox Stadium, Glasgow, Scotland; Scottish Cup Football, Rangers versus Celtic;

He also rejects attempts by what he describes as board-friendly social media supporters to portray the entire Celtic fan media community as responsible for one person’s words.

According to the article, Celtic know which fan media outlets previously worked directly with the club. Fewer than ten were involved, including several news websites, podcasts and a fan television channel. The writer says the club was always capable of acting against an outlet if officials believed it had crossed a line.

Previous tensions with the club

The author recalls occasions when Celtic’s relationship with fan media became strained. He claims that even mentioning former recruitment chief Mark Lawwell and the disappointing 2023 transfer window could prompt a reaction from the club.

Brendan Rodgers media conference. Photo Celtic Shorts

He also describes an earlier incident in which his outlet was allegedly threatened with a ban covering all Celtic fan media unless an article was removed. The author says the piece itself was reasonable but did not fit with behind-the-scenes developments at the club.

He argues that contributors across different platforms do not have to support everything said or published elsewhere. Each person should instead be judged according to their own conduct.

25th October 2026; Easter Road Stadium, Edinburgh, Scotland; Scottish Premiership Football, Hibernian versus Celtic; Celtic fans banner

However, he questions why the outlets that had formally worked with Celtic were collectively banned while the reasons for that decision have never been properly explained.

The unresolved fan media ban

The writer says he received an email from Celtic instructing him not to travel to Lennoxtown because the club had withdrawn access for fan media pending a review. Despite contacting Celtic several times for an update, he says he has never received a response.

New Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers with Peter Lawwell and Michael Nicholson at Celtic Park on June 23, 2023. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Since then, however, the author believes Celtic fan media has continued to grow. Many outlets are now connected to the Celtic Fans Collective, which also includes major supporters’ groups and numerous individual Celtic Supporters Clubs.

GLASGOW SCOTLAND – MAY 20: Dermot Desmond is seen prior to the Celtic vs St Mirren Cinch Premiership match at Celtic Park on May 20, 2023 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

He argues that the material published by his platforms has generally been reasonable and falls within fair comment. If anything, he says, his outlet has sometimes been too willing to give Celtic the benefit of the doubt.

The author points to previous occasions when he defended the club publicly, including disputes surrounding the null-and-void debate during the Covid-affected season and Celtic’s controversial Dubai trip during the pandemic.

Behind-the-scenes frustrations

The article also describes an incident involving a podcast representative attending a media conference for a new Celtic signing. The contributor asked for a photograph with the player but was refused because media access was intended for professional coverage rather than personal interaction.

Neil Lennon, Scott Brown and poolside after arriving Dubai ahead of the Winter training getting underway

The author says the conversation that followed provided an insight into how Celtic viewed independent fan media. A discussion reportedly focused on whether the podcast owner was paying the contributor enough and whether the podcast itself generated sufficient income.

The writer claims Celtic frequently requested support or coverage but offered limited assistance. Requests for photographers to receive access to Celtic Park, for example, were allegedly ignored or rejected.

GLASGOW, UNITED KINGDOM – NOVEMBER 19: John Hartson of Celtic celebrates scoring their first goal during the Bank of Scotland Scottish Premier League match between Celtic and Rangers at Celtic Park Stadium on November 19, 2005 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Chris Lee/Getty Images)

Examples of support for Celtic

The author recalls organising a Celtic Star Books event at Celtic Park, with proceeds going to the Celtic FC Foundation. Former Celtic players including John Fallon, Tommy Callaghan and John Hartson attended the occasion.

Kelly Clarke and Fran Alonso. Photo TCS

He also says he tried to involve figures connected with Celtic’s women’s team. Fran Alonso had been expected to speak about the women’s side, while Stephen McManus was also due to attend. According to the writer, Celtic’s public relations department intervened and prevented them from appearing because the event was considered commercial.

The author says the money raised was subsequently donated to the Celtic FC Foundation, and claims that experience convinced him not to organise another event at Celtic Park.

He believes other fan media outlets that previously worked with Celtic have similar stories and suggests they should consider sharing their experiences.

A growing independent media scene

The article argues that Celtic supporters should not view fan media collectively as an enemy. Different websites, podcasts and channels have their own editorial positions, contributors and audiences.

Supporters are free to decide which platforms they trust. The author notes that outlets had already stopped working with the club by the time the dispute intensified, particularly following the difficulties surrounding the Covid season.

He contrasts the treatment of fan media with access given to mainstream newspapers. The Scottish Sun and Daily Record are mentioned despite the writer’s criticism of their previous coverage of Celtic.

He specifically refers to an attack on former manager Brendan Rodgers that was attributed to an anonymous boardroom source, as well as historic anti-Celtic coverage.

Fan media continues to grow

Despite being excluded from official access, the author insists that Celtic fan media has become stronger. He points to a Celtic supporter survey with around 50,000 responses as evidence that fans continue to value independent supporter-focused coverage.

He also highlights recent projects. One podcast produced a detailed four-part documentary examining the previous season, while another has arranged for Brendan Rodgers to appear at Glasgow’s Royal Concert Hall next June to discuss his departure from Celtic.

The bigger question for Celtic

The article concludes that Celtic’s decision to keep fan media outlets outside the club may ultimately work against the interests of the organisation itself.

The writer believes supporters will continue choosing the websites and podcasts they want to follow, regardless of whether those outlets receive official access. Celtic fan media, he argues, has developed an independent identity and does not need the club’s approval to survive.

His broader message is that one unacceptable comment should not be used to condemn an entire community of Celtic supporters, writers and broadcasters. Individual responsibility matters, and different outlets should be judged according to what they actually say and do.

Ultimately, Celtic supporters have the freedom to decide where they obtain their information, commentary and opinion about the club. The author believes that choice is already ensuring the continued strength of Celtic fan media, even while official doors remain closed.