Lennon insists celebrations don’t merit ban

NEIL Lennon insists he shouldn’t be hit with a ban for his celebration against Rangers after being sent off at the end of a barnstorming final day clash at Easter Road.

The Northern Irishman saw his side race into a 3-0 lead as they attempted to win by a six-goal margin to finish above Rangers in the Premiership standings.

But it took a late equaliser from Jamie Maclaren to earn Hibernian a point as 10 goals and the spoils were shared on a remarkable afternoon.

Lennon ran onto the park to celebrate after Maclaren had made it 5-5 and was ushered straight up the tunnel by fourth official Bobby Madden when he returned to his dugout.

And the Leith boss revelled in the moment as his side silenced the travelling Rangers support as they saw their side miss out on a second-place finish.

Lennon said: “Well they make it personal don’t they? You all hear it. They are singing sectarian songs at me.

“It’s just a little bit of ‘have some of that’. It was worth it! Trust me.

“Bobby was fine about it. I should not get a ban for that. I was nowhere near them. I was just letting them know how pleased I was.”

Lennon will face a touchline ban if he is cited by the Scottish FA Compliance Officer for his actions.

“Yes,” Lennon said when asked if he hopes the SFA should look at the circumstances. “I would like to think so – it was harmless was it not?

“I think the sending off is enough and I don’t think I should get further punishment for that. I was about 50 yards away when I stopped. Just as well! It was worth it, I enjoyed the moment. It was a big jumbo jet there!”