Accusations have been made against Celtic chief Peter Lawwell for his alleged role in the downfall of Rangers as the club faced collapse. Formerly the CEO and now the chairman of Parkhead, Lawwell has been criticized for his significant influence in Scottish football.
Sir David Murray, a key figure in Scottish football, has claimed that Lawwell worked to make Rangers suffer, aiming to “bury” the rival club. Murray recalled their previous acquaintance when Lawwell worked for Scottish Coal, and even invited him to Ibrox for a game. However, he noted a change in Lawwell’s demeanor as he rose to power at Celtic, becoming a dominant force in the sport.
Murray highlighted Lawwell’s impact on committees and his use of power to weaken Rangers, suggesting a personal agenda to see the club suffer. Despite Lawwell’s success in fulfilling his responsibilities for Celtic, Murray believed he crossed a line by actively working against Rangers.
Additionally, Murray shared an anecdote about James Bond star Sean Connery losing £1 million when he invested in Rangers during a share issue held by Murray in 2004. The actor’s friendship with Murray led to his investment, though he never saw a return due to the risks involved in football.
Reflecting on the financial collapse of Rangers and the impact on former manager Ally McCoist, Murray expressed regret that circumstances prevented McCoist from showcasing his full potential. Despite the challenges faced by McCoist during his tenure, Murray acknowledged his resilience and success in transitioning to a career in the media following his resignation from Rangers.
