Vile Lennon graffiti message is slammed by anti-bigotry groups
A VILE piece of graffiti threatening to ‘hang’ former Celtic manager Neil Lennon has been condemned by anti-sectarian groups.
A spray-painted message situated in the Tynecastle area of Edinburgh, close to capital club Hearts, clearly states ‘Hang Neil Lennon’, the current boss of their rivals Hibernian.
Campaign groups from across the country have spoken out about the targeted attacks on the Northern Irishman.
Dave Scott of Nil by Mouth, Scotland’s leading anti-sectarian charity, said: “Nothing screams ‘gutless moron’ like graffiti of this kind.”
Mr Lennon’s agent has now spoken out about the abuse his client has faced, saying he is targeted because he is an Irish-Catholic who has previously played for Celtic.
The former Northern Ireland international retired from international football in 2002 after graffiti showing “RIP Neil Lennon” appeared alongside a hangman’s noose.
Campaigners for anti-Catholic bigotry and anti-Irish racism in Scotland have also spoken of their horror at the message.
A spokeswoman for the Call It Out campaign said: “The attack on Neil Lennon follows a pattern of attacks on him both physical and verbal and the latest ‘hanging’ graffiti is particularly chilling.
“Call it Out are clear that he is being attacked because he is a high profile Irish Catholic. Those who have sought to blame Lennon himself must bear some responsibility for the continuing attacks on him.
“We stand with Neil Lennon in saying that we have had enough of anti-Catholic bigotry and anti-Irish Scotland.”
The latest message comes amid a police investigation into an incident which saw the manager hit by a coin during Wednesday night’s Edinburgh derby.
Lennon was struck in the face by a pound coin towards the end of the derby which saw him receive treatment.
Police Scotland described the incidents as “mindless acts of violence” and said officers are investigating.
Hearts goalkeeper Zdenek racism in Zlamal was also floored by an apparent attack from a supporter during the match.
Chief Inspector Murray Starkey, match commander, said: “Police Scotland condemn the mindless acts of violence which included missiles being thrown during last night’s Edinburgh derby.
“I can confirm we are investigating two separate incidents involving the Hearts goalkeeper and the Hibernian manager during the match. A total of five arrests have been made.”
‘‘ Nothing screams ‘gutless moron’ like graffiti of this kind