The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Police probe threats against Hibs boss
Comments follow complaints over Lennon celebrations
Police are probing “threatening comments” made against Neil Lennon after the Hibernian head coach’s eventful return to Ibrox.
Social media posts apparently show a user claiming he would shoot Lennon, and adding he was “serious” about the threat.
Police had earlier received complaints over Lennon’s conduct during Hibs’ victory over Rangers on Saturday but the former Celtic manager has denied any wrongdoing.
A force spokeswoman said: “Police Scotland is aware of offensive and threatening comments that have been posted on social media concerning a named individual and enquiries are ongoing in connection with this.”
Police earlier confirmed they were making inquiries following the complaints about Lennon, which centred on his goal celebrations after Simon Murray made it 1-1.
The Northern Irishman cupped his ears and raised a fist towards Rangers fans, after being subjected to verbal abuse beforehand. Hibs went on to win 3-2 after Rangers midfielder Ryan Jack was sent off following a clash with Anthony Stokes.
Following the Ladbrokes Premiership match, Lennon insisted he had no concerns about his celebrations after the 20th-minute goal.
When it was suggested Rangers assistant manager Helder Baptista had spoken to police about him, Lennon said: “I didn’t make a gesture, I celebrated a goal. If they are unhappy about it they can come and tell me. But I shouldn’t get into trouble for doing that.”
SFA compliance officer Tony McGlennan could look into the incident.
Lennon has a two-game suspended ban hanging over him following a touchline clash with Morton boss Jim Duffy last season. The ban would be triggered if Lennon was found guilty of misconduct before the end of 2017.
Former Dundee United boss Mixu Paatelainen was handed a suspended two-match ban for similar celebrations in front of Dundee fans in April 2016. An SFA disciplinary tribunal ruled he had breached rules by “shouting and gesticulating at away supporters”.
Alex Smith, chairman of Scotland’s League Managers Association, argued that there was a limit to the abuse a manager could take before responding.
He told BBC Scotland: “I think the manager’s got to be careful how he responds and how he handles that, because it can be volatile I suppose.
“Sometimes some kind of gesture can be misread and can be taken in the wrong context.
“I’ve never known in my lifetime trouble in the terracing caused by managers in the dugout.”