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Greenock Morton chairman quits after online abuse to family

Jonathan GeddesGlasgow and west reporter
News imageGreenock Morton John Laird sitting behind a desk in a trophy room. He has short white hair, and is wearing a white shirt and blue tie.Greenock Morton

Greenock Morton chairman John Laird has stood down from the club due to online abuse and threats towards him and his family.

Mr Laird, who has been associated with the club for more than four decades, said that criticism which was originally about football matters had descended into personal attacks.

He added that he was "deeply disappointed" to be leaving the club in such a way and was leaving with immediate effect.

The news comes two weeks after Celtic chairman Peter Lawwell announced he was standing down due to the amount of abuse and threats he had received.

Mr Laird said he had not made the decision to leave lightly.

He added: "Sustained online abuse, threatening and derogatory behaviour directed towards both myself and my family, and libellous comments made in writing and online, have now crossed an unacceptable line.

"What began as criticism relating to football matters has escalated into behaviour that is impacting my personal life, family, household, and business interests.

"This situation is no longer tolerable, and I cannot allow my continued association with the club to negatively and distressfully affect myself and those closest to me.

"I am deeply disappointed to step down under these circumstances."

News imageSNS Dougie Imrie - a man with a shaven head, a grey beard and moustache and a black jacket, on the touchline during a football matchSNS
Manager Dougie Imrie left the club to join Raith Rovers in November

Mr Laird was born in Greenock and has been involved in running companies in both the energy sector and sports management and events.

He took over as chairman at Morton in 2023.

A club spokesperson said: "Everyone at the club would like to thank John for his efforts and dedication in his time at the club, and wish him all the best for the future.

"Online and in-person abuse of any kind towards players, staff, officials or supporters is completely unacceptable and has no place in football or in society."

Manager Dougie Imrie left the club in November to take over at Raith Rovers. The Cappielow side currently sit sixth in the Championship.

Former Motherwell and Nottingham Forest manager Billy Davies, who was appointed technical head coach at the club this summer, is currently leading a management team at the club as they search for a replacement for Imrie.