Celtic Chief Peter Lawwell Thanks Fans for Support

On behalf of chief executive Peter Lawwell, Celtic have published a statement thanking fans for the support he and his family have received following an arson attack on Lawwell’s family home.

The attack occurred in the early hours of Wednesday morning in which a masked arsonist was spotted on CCTV pouring accelerant on a number of Lawwell’s cars before triggering a blaze.

Celtic’s head of security Ronnie Hawthorn was spotted yesterday at the home conversing with Lawwell in the wake of the incident.

Fortunately, nobody was harmed by the blaze itself, though Lawwell and his family are understandably perturbed by the attack.

The statement published through Celtic’s website read:

“This has been a devastating attack on myself and my family, the effects of which will stay with us all for a long time.

“I am, of course, extremely relieved that everyone is safe. I would like to thank my wife and my family for their support and for the strength and courage they have shown during such a difficult time.

“Naturally my family has been deeply affected by these events. This is a hugely challenging time but we will make sure we stay strong and we will get through this together.

“I wanted to take this opportunity to offer my thanks to the Fire Service for their skill, bravery and professionalism in dealing with the fire, and Police Scotland, too, for their support and professionalism.

“I also thank the Celtic Board and Celtic staff for all the support they have given me. It has been fantastic and sincerely appreciated.

“As a family, we have received literally thousands of messages of support from Celtic fans and from people across the wider global football family. This has provided us with great comfort and we all offer our heartfelt thanks for the concern and support which people have shown.

“Clearly, I echo the words of Police Scotland and would ask that if anyone does have any relevant information which could help this investigation, to please come forward.”

Read Celtic Verdict

The solidarity shown by fans and the club in a testing personal time for the outgoing executive does justice to the strength of the Celtic community.

Although concerns have been raised as to the implications of the attack on attracting new talent to Parkhead, the response from Celtic has been one of exemplary support and offers a reassuring boon to Lawwell.

All parties will be hoping the culprit faces justice and the family can heal from the incident.