Celtic chairman Ian Bankier had a fiery exchange with shareholders at today's annual meeting over the proposed re-election of Lord Livingston to the board.

The subject of Lord Livingston made the temperature rise noticeably at the meeting, which also featured heated debate over the club's stance on the living wage.

Lord Livingston's status on the board has been the subject of much debate among the Celtic support, with almost 10,000 backing a petition for him to be removed, and one shareholder made his feelings very clear. 

"This is not Downton Abbey, it's Glasgow Celtic," he said. "His role in society is contrary to the ethos of this club and its origins and he should not be a member of the board. You have failed the origins of the club and its continuing prosperity in that regard." 

Glasgow Times:

The statement was met with huge applause from fellow shareholders (above). Bankier (below) responded with a passionate speech about Lord Livingston.

"The core value that defines Celtic Football, the standard we proudly point to, is that we are inclusive. We welcome and include into Celtic, everyone, no matter their race, their religion, their social standing or what their politics may be.

"This personal campaign against Lord Livingston is criminally racist. He has been subjected to a torrent of base personal abuse in social media. Some of the messages are criminally abusive. 

Glasgow Times:

Ian Bankier: "That this campaign has been done in the name of Brother Walfrid is shocking."

"We are grateful that he is prepared to dedicate his time and considerable talents to the Celtic board. The fact he is a member of the House of Lords has no difference to the interests of Celtic.

"We play football and we are good at it. Our fans come from all corners of society. We are not a conduit for political statements or campaigns. Our club is not available to anyone for this purpose. 

"I condemn this activity. Intolerance leads to hatred and hatred leads to a lot worse as we well know.

"That this campaign has been done in the name of Brother Walfrid is shocking."

When a show of hands meant that Lord Livingston's re-election would have to go to a ballot, Bankier said quietly: "I am very disappointed by this," prompting a barrage of angry catcalls as one shareholder shouted "are we not allowed our own opinions?" Another chipped in "disgraceful".