Reid meets with vocal minority

New Celtic chairman John Reid claimed political divisions had no place at Parkhead after the former Defence Secretary was branded a "war criminal" during the club's annual general meeting.

Reid's appointment was overwhelmingly backed by the club's shareholders but there was vocal opposition from a minority in the Kerrydale Suite at Celtic Park, some of whom hit out at Reid's association with the war in Iraq.

Around one in 10 of the hundreds of shareholders in the hall voted against the motion endorsing Reid as the successor to the retiring Brian Quinn, while less than one per cent of the proxy votes opposed the move.

But, before the votes were counted, some shareholders took to the floor to denounce the Labour MP - who was Labour Party chairman when the war began before succeeding Geoff Hoon in defence.

One branded him a "war criminal" and another supporter of 60 years vowed to give up his season ticket if Reid was appointed.

Another claimed his appointment was a "betrayal" of the principles of a club "built on an ethos of compassion and understanding for all people at home and abroad".

Lifelong Celtic fan Reid, who will step down as Labour MP for Airdrie and Shotts at the next general election, responded by saying the club was above party politics.

"People have their own strong views on issues of life and death," Reid said. "Sometimes they will agree with me in helping to resolve the terrible tragedy in Northern Ireland.

"I'm quite proud that we brought that to an end, I think that would have been worth having a government for on its own.

"Others will feel angry, opposed to other things, such as the decision to go to war.

"Sometimes it saves a lot of lives in Kosovo, Sierra Leone, other times it is more difficult.

"The point I'm making is that whatever the merits of that, I do not believe the vast majority of Celtic supporters want that to be debated within Celtic Football Club."

Reid, who stepped down from the Cabinet when Tony Blair quit as Prime Minister, feels he has received a warm welcome from most Celtic fans.

The 60-year-old said: "I think it was clear that, even at today's meeting, there was a pretty significant show of support by hands.

"I have waited 40 years to get a vote of over 99 per cent in any election. The great strength of this club over the years, which has distinguished us from a lot of clubs, is that, irrespective of your class, background, religion or beliefs, when you come into Celtic Park they are left at the door.

"The one criteria is your commitment and passion and support of Celtic Football Club.

Quinn stepped down after more than seven years as chairman and received a standing ovation from the shareholders. That warmth came on the back of an annual profit of £15 million and two successive league titles.

Reid admits he has a hard act to follow. "I recognise how much I have got to learn," he said. "I come in with a track record in some areas which is what made the board choose me, but I'm not arrogant enough to think that includes expertise in any way equivalent to that which Brian leaves with and (chief executive) Peter Lawwell carries on with.

"I want to do a lot of listening and a lot of learning."