Celtic’s principal shareholder Dermot Desmond had tennis balls thrown towards him during his visit to the Alfred Dunhill Links golf tournament at St Andrews in a protest from fans.

The 76-year-old – who has been criticised by supporters for an apparent lack of progress on the pitch – was taking part in the pro-am event on Saturday when the disruption happened on the green of the 15th hole.

Tennis balls with pictures of Desmond’s face crossed out were thrown on to the green, with Desmond then escorted off the course by security.

The Celtic Fans Collective later released a statement on X, which included video and pictures of the protest, calling for change at the top of the club.

Dermot Desmond is driven away from the course after the fans’ protest. Photograph: Stuart Wallace/Shutterstock

“Dermot Desmond has essentially been allowed to run Celtic Football Club whilst using his wealth to hide from supporters and accountability,” the statement said. “Fans took the chance today to send a message that this arrangement cannot continue.”

Martin O’Neill’s side – who claimed the Premiership title ahead of Hearts after a final-day decider last season as part of a domestic double – currently sit top of the table, two points clear of rivals Rangers.

Celtic, though, lost the last three games before the international break, including two defeats by Rangers, one at Parkhead, and were also beaten 3-1 at home by Ferencvaros in their opening Europa League fixture.