Tennis balls thrown toward Dermot Desmond at golf protest

Tennis balls were thrown toward Celtic principal shareholder Dermot Desmond during a protest at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship in St Andrews on Saturday, October 3, Police Scotland said. The force reported no injuries and said enquiries were ongoing. The incident took place at about 2 p.m. on the Old Course’s 15th green as Desmond was playing the hole. The balls bore images of his face, some marked with a cross, according to reports and footage shared by the Celtic Fans Collective. A group wearing balaclavas was described as throwing them toward the green. Desmond was taking part in the pro-am event alongside professional golfers. Accounts said he continued his round after the protest. One report said he left the course in a buggy, while another described images of him being escorted by security from the 18th hole. Further details about the security response have not been established. The Celtic Fans Collective said the action was intended to challenge what it described as Desmond’s influence at Celtic and a perceived lack of accountability. The group said supporters had used the opportunity to send a message that the existing arrangement should not continue.