Nicholson Doesn't Respond to Internet Account Controversy

Celtic fans now know that Michael Nicholson follows certain social media accounts.

The low profile CEO broke cover on Friday to hit out at a ‘faceless internet account’ that had highlighted the appointment of Mark Hargreaves as Head of Security. North Curve Celtic to the rest of us, the anti-establishment faction.

Nicholson is apparently keen to improve communications. But decided not to mention and introduce Hargreaves when he joined Celtic in the summer from Police Scotland.

Perhaps with the new app on the way alongside an upgrade to Celtic TV these appointments can be communicated to fans.

NICHOLSON’S SELECTIVE VIEWING

Last night the ‘faceless internet account’ released a troubling video clip from inside Celtic Park.

In it a fan that looks aged between 10 and 12 is grabbed by the neck by a steward. No other fans are in camera shot. It looks like the incident took place while the match was underway.

Just as troubling, unless you are the Celtic CEO, two other stewards are watching the incident and take no action.

Elsewhere legacy media would be all over it. If it happened in a train station or shopping centre there would be a campaign to identify and discipline those involved.

Celtic’s media messengers haven’t gone near it.

If it had been role reversal with a steward treated that way there would have been saturation coverage. Calls for an extended ban on the Green Brigade, possibly a comment from the CEO who let the refereeing issues in the League Cup semi-final pass without comment. No club update. no questioning of Nick Walsh, Andrew Dallas, Steven McLean or Willie Collum.

There is natural anger at this and expectation of comment from Celtic FC.
Let us remind all that multiple children as young as this and younger were kettled by police on London Rd 8 months ago for 6 hours, denied access to water, food or toilets, with zero care from Celtic FC. https://t.co/iyXBR0936l
— North Curve Celtic (@NCCeltic) November 26, 2025

That video clip was published at 6.59pm on Tuesday. At 6pm on Wednesday Nicholson had yet to comment. The clip had been viewed more than 900,000 times. Celtic have said nothing.

In contrast after his silent appearance at the AGM Nicholson didn’t hold back as he slammed the ‘faceless internet account’

On Friday the Celtic website reported:

Michael Nicholson, Chief Executive of Celtic, said: “These posts are scandalous. They are designed to intimidate one of our colleagues carrying out his duties on behalf of the Club, and to intimidate the Club. Mark was the subject of further threats and intimidation at the Club’s AGM this morning. Nobody at Celtic should face bullying, threats or intimidation.

OPERATION HARGREAVES

“Mark’s role at Celtic is to keep his colleagues, including the players, safe, and the Club’s facilities safe and secure. At Celtic Park on match day, his role is to ensure the safety of all Celtic fans here so that they can enjoy the football. Mark is a lifelong Celtic fan, with a successful career over 25 years in the police.

“We were delighted that Mark joined the Club and we are lucky to have him. The Club cannot and will not accept this bullying and intimidatory behaviour. To have a faceless Internet account make these allegations attacking the professional reputation of someone who is doing his best to ensure the safety of all Celtic supporters and colleagues is cowardly and unacceptable.

“The management of the Rail Seating Section is motivated only by the safety of those in the section and the stadium – nothing else. That is the Club’s responsibility.”

DISASTROUS AGM

The last that Celtic fans heard from the club executives was the angry speech at the AGM from Ross Desmond. Chairman Lawwell invited Dermot’s laddie to deliver a prepared speech to shareholders.

Lawwell had already knocked 30 minutes off the AGM by calling an adjournment. He cut short Desmond Junior’s statement when he mentioned Falkirk, the club has now downloaded whatever happened to an incident. It seems that the backlash and pleas for evidence has struck a nerve.

Communications Michael, remember?

Celtic return to home turf next week with matches against Dundee, Hearts and Roma. The Green Brigade are banned from the first two, it would be a surprise if Nicholson didn’t extend the sanctions against the Ultras group.

The club will be hoping that a new manager coming in with a bounce will quickly shift the focus on from the numerous failings of Nicholson and his colleagues.

With the hard sell coming up for Christmas fans are likely to have the video of the stewards in mind as they opt to spend Not Another Penny.