Celtic chairman Lawwell steps down over 'intolerable abuse and threats'

Lawwell's decision to on December 31 comes amid on-going protests from a large, disgruntled section of the Hoops support who criticised the club's transfer activity in the summer and poor performances this season,

BOARD ANGST: Celtic non-executive Chairman Peter Lawwell, majority shareholder Dermot Desmond (centre) and CEO Michael Nicholson (right) during the Scottish Gas Men's Scottish Cup final at Hampden Park, Glasgow. Pic: Andrew Milligan/PA Wire

Chairman Peter Lawwell will step down from the Celtic board at the end of the year after citing "intolerable" levels of "abuse and threats".

Current non-executive director Brian Wilson is taking over as interim chairman until a permanent replacement is found.