COPS PROBE LENNON
Hibs boss Neil in dock over goal celebrations
NEIL LENNON is on a collision course with the SFA and cops over his Ibrox goal celebration.
Police Scotland have launched a probe into the behaviour of the Hibs boss after around 30 Rangers fans lodged complaints.
It’s understood senior officials also spoke with referee John Beaton about the conduct of the Hibs bench at half-time of the powderkeg weekend fixture.
Rangers supporters had taunted the Celtic icon with cries of “Neil
Lennon, you’re a w ***** , you’re a w ***** ” but he had the last laugh when his side won 3-2 to move joint top of the Premiership.
The reaction of Lennon to Simon Murray’s first-half equaliser so incensed the home support many of them reported him for his conduct to police officers in the main stand.
Lennon turned to the fans and cupped his hands to his ears but it was his alleged “up yours” gesture with his pumped fist that sent them over the top.
At least one object was thrown at Lennon, believed to be a lighter, and Rangers assistant Helder Baptista complained to a senior police official standing at the mouth of the tunnel about his rival’s reaction.
The incident has been mentioned in the match report of SPFL delegate Tim Love and SFA compliance officer Tony McGlennan could also now act.
Referee Beaton and fourth official Euan Anderson missed Lennon’s gestures but the decision by police to speak to the whistler is certain to be mentioned in his report.
Photographers also caught Lennon’s gestures and McGlennan could now begin the process of activating a two-match suspension that was hanging over the Easter Road gaffer following last season’s infamous touchline rammy with Morton boss Jim Duffy.
A spokeswoman for Police Scotland said: “Complaints have been received and our enquiries are continuing.”
Lennon strongly denied any wrongdoing after the game, which also saw Ryan Jack sent off for a headbutt incident with Anthony Stokes that Rangers say they’ll appeal.
Lennon said: “You are looking for things that aren’t there. I didn’t make a gesture, I celebrated a goal. If they are unhappy with that they can see me but I shouldn’t get into trouble for that.”
Rangers boss Pedro Caixinha was unhappy with the behaviour of his rival and said: “I listened to the other manager speaking to the fourth official.
“The way he goes, that allows me to go the same way if I want, but I don’t have the same principles, education or point of view.”
Rangers are also adamant Jack was the innocent party in the flare-up with Stokes in the first meeting of the sides since the controversial Scottish Cup Final of 2016 which Hibs also won 3-2.
Caixinha added: “For the good of football I’d invite the referee to look at the video and analyse whether he took good decisions or not.”
Hibs were unavailable for comment.