Lennon security increased after hoax
Celtic manager Neil Lennon has been given 24-hour surveillance at his home and was accompanied to training by a security officer after a suspicious package addressed to him was intercepted at a Royal Mail sorting office.
The fall-out from Wednesday night’s controversial Old Firm Scottish Cup fifth-round replay at Parkhead continued as news of the package emerged.
The item, which was intercepted at a sorting office in Saltcoats on Friday, turned out to be a hoax, Celtic confirmed.
Celtic chief executive Peter Lawwell said: “Clearly, this most recent sickening event in a long line of threats to Neil and his family is extremely worrying.
“This demonstrates the intensity and pressure which Neil endures as the Celtic manager.
“However, he has coped with these issues incredibly well during his short time as manager, showing what a strong character he is.
“Indeed, it is extremely sad that Neil has had to contend with such issues for more than a decade, both as a Celtic player and manager.
“No-one in any walk of life should have to live their life in this way and those responsible should be condemned.
“It goes without saying Neil and his family will continue to receive every support from the club.
“We know Neil will also have the full backing of all our fans as he and the club did on Wednesday evening.
“While these events are very concerning, we would ask that they continue to back the club in this positive Celtic manner.
“While the authorities and other commentators have taken a close interest in recent football events, we would hope they would give similar attention to also condemning such actions.”
The Celtic boss clashed with Rangers assistant manager Ally McCoist at the end of the 1-0 home win, which saw three Rangers players red-carded.
Lennon has apologised to the Celtic board after the incident.
Earlier this year, a package of bullets addressed to the Lurgan man was intercepted in Northern Ireland.
