Lennon has no case to answer, say police
HIBS boss Neil Lennon will face no action from police over his touchline celebrations at Ibrox. The former Celtic captain and manager angered Rangers fans by cupping his ears and making a gesture after Simon Murray’s equaliser last Saturday in a match his side went on to win 3-2. The Northern Irishman’s actions were investigated by Police Scotland after they received complaints about his ‘inflammatory’ conduct. Helder Baptista, assistant to Rangers boss Pedro Caixinha, also seemed to complain about Lennon’s behaviour to a police officer at the side of the pitch. However, after investigating and speaking to prosecutors, police yesterday announced they were satisfied no criminal offence had
taken place. A spokesperson said: ‘Following complaints received relating to events at the Rangers v Hibernian match and after talks with the procurator fiscal, it has been established that no criminality took place. Therefore, no further action will be taken.’
Sportsmail understands that Scottish FA compliance officer Tony McGlennan will decide if Lennon has a case to answer over his Ibrox celebrations. Firstly, however, he will deal with a number of fast-track submissions including Rangers’ appeal against Ryan Jack’s red card in the same stormy match against Hibs. Lennon has a two-match suspended ban hanging over his head as a result of a fiery clash with Morton boss Jim Duffy in March. Meanwhile, Police Scotland have made an arrest after Lennon was the subject of alleged ‘offensive and threatening’ messages on social media. A 54-year-old man is due to appear at Paisley Sheriff Court today.