Under pressure Celtic manager Lennon gets backing from Lawwell

CELTIC chief executive Peter Lawwell has given his backing to under-fire boss Neil Lennon.

The Hoops manager came under increasing pressure following the 2-0 Betfred Cup defeat to Ross County on Sunday which saw hundreds of fans turn up at Parkhead to demand the removal of the Northern Irishman, amid scenes of chaos as police tried to keep order.

The Hoops have won just two of their last 10 matches in all competitions and sit 11 points behind Rangers at the top of the Premiership with two games in hand as they bid for their 10th-successive title.

Celtic travel to Italy this week for a Europa League dead rubber against AC Milan tomorrow night and Lennon will be in the technical area at San Siro.

In a statement released on the club website, Lawwell said: “Like all those with Celtic’s best interests at heart, everyone at the club is feeling the same hurt, disappointment and frustration following the team’s recent results.

“We are accustomed to winning and, of course, our objective will always be for that to continue. There is no complacency whatsoever.

“Neil, the players and backroom staff, who have already done so much for the club, share in all of that. They have never been more determined to succeed.

“Having enjoyed such sustained, unprecedented success, we now need strength in adversity.”

Lawwell added: “We know that many Celtic supporters share very honest and real concerns and they are being heard by the club.

“Every decision taken, both on and off the park, is with the club’s best interests at heart.

“This is not about any individual, but about Celtic Football Club as a collective.”

Celtic chief executive Peter Lawwell.