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Football boss' house 'fire-bombed' with family sleeping inside

Sam Goodwin
·Sports Editor
·4-min read
Peter Lawwell, pictured here watching on during a Celtic game.
Peter Lawwell's house suffered extensive damage. Image: Getty/Twitter

The football world has been left in shock and disbelief after the home of Celtic FC chief executive Peter Lawwell was 'fire-bombed' on Wednesday night.

Scottish police say they are investigating an arson attack that caused serious damage to the house and vehicles belonging to the Celtic boss.

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Police were called to the property in Thorntonhall, a village just outside Glasgow, at about 1am local time.

Three vehicles were deliberately set alight and a garage sustained extensive damage.

Police Scotland said the fire is being treated as deliberate, with closed circuit television (CCTV) footage showing a man had poured an accelerant on the vehicles.

According to local media reports, Lawwell and his family - including his young granddaughter - were asleep in the house at the time of the attack.

Everyone managed to escape uninjured.

Celtic released a statement on Wednesday saying Lawwell and his family were "extremely shaken".

"We can confirm that significant damage has been caused to Peter Lawwell's house and vehicles there, following an explosion and fire early this morning, forcing the family to leave the property," the club said.

"Clearly, Peter's family are extremely shaken and shocked by these terrible events, but thankfully all are safe."

Peter Lawwell and captain Scott Brown, pictured here during the Scottish Premiership match between Celtic and St Johnstone.
Peter Lawwell with captain Scott Brown during the Scottish Premiership match between Celtic and St Johnstone. (Photo by Paul Devlin/SNS Group via Getty Images) (SNS Group via Getty Images)

Football world in shock over 'horrific' incident

A Police Scotland spokesman said they were now hunting for the suspect caught on the CCTV.

"This was a completely reckless act which destroyed three cars and caused significant damage to the property's garage," Detective Inspector Susie Cairns said.

"The consequences could have been so much worse but thankfully nobody was injured during this incident."

Lawwell is due to step down from his role at the Glasgow club in June after a 17-year tenure which saw the club pick up 29 trophies and reach the Champions League last-16 three times.

However the most recent season has been a disappointment.

Arch rivals Rangers romped home with the league title, while Celtic was beaten in the second qualifying round for the Champions League.

Football fans and pundits expressed their anger and disbelief on social media after the "horrific" incident.

"Attacking the house of Peter Lawwell is utterly disgusting," tweeted John Hartson.

"His family were also present at the property. Putting lives at risk.. what on earth has football got to do with this! Total madness."

Andrew Dickson wrote: "Just seen the pictures of Peter Lawwell's house. What a mess, pleased to hear nobody was injured or worse.

"Nobody from any walk of life, no matter how much you like them or not, should have to deal with that."

with agencies

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