Celtic’s website this morning carries and anguished message from Tshabalala in the wake of clashes between rival fans at the end of yesterday’s match at Orlando Stadium, where Celtic lost 1-0 to Orlando Pirates.
“I want offers urgently and will be open and honest enough to show whoever that is interested to acquire the team what we have spent and the required amount to purchase the team,” Tshabalala announced in the message.
“I was pained to see innocent soccer loving fans being beaten some to a pulp and that led me to the decision to sell the team.”
There has been growing unhappiness among Celtic fans around Tshabalala’s ownership and his perceived links to Free State premier, Ace Magashula. Fans have alleged that African National Congress T-shirts are handed out before matches.
According to Tshabalala: “Our supporters are deliberately bringing the League into disrepute just to hurt me as an individual. This is not about the performance of the team but [Max Tshabalala]. I had a chat with some of the fans who boldly told me they hate me and want me out of the team with immediate effect hence I am calling on businessman in and around Mangaung to come up with offers to buy the team and take Celtic forward.
“I love Celtic and if I’m the one standing in the way of its successes then the best thing is to sell it to those who will be able to satisfy the supporters.”
Tshabalala also apologised to “the football loving fans that were injured” yesterday.
“I must concede my heart is painful at how some supporters behaved last night. Vandalizing the stadium, fighting and hurting Pirates supporters in the process and clearly the situation has gone out of hand. It was also hurt seeing a National Heritage Site (which is part of the 2010 World Cup Legacy) being ripped apart because of frustrations against one man [Max Tshabalala], we need to respect and maintain our infrastructure.”
Tshabalala, the owner of lower division side Roses FC, purchased Celtic from Jimmy Augosti in July 2014.
The Celtic message concludes: A Press Conference will be held tomorrow (Monday 29th February) at Siwelele Park where the Chairman is expected to address members of the media. The press conference is scheduled for 11h00.