Under-pressure Lennon hits out over witch-hunt

Neil Lennon has hit back at “media driven” criticism of Shane Duffy and himself after a hard week for Celtic.

The champions lost to Rangers and AC Milan before drawing 3-3 at Aberdeen which ultimately saw the Hoops drop six points behind the Light Blues at the top with a game less played.

Ireland defender Duffy, on loan from Brighton, was again criticised for his performance against the Dons but the Parkhead boss feels it was excessive.

Speaking ahead of the Europa League group game in Lille tomorrow night, the Northern Irishman believes most Celtic fans are still behind him.

He said: “We have lost one game in the league and pundits are talking about me being two games away from the sack. Where that comes from I have no idea.

“I have seen two newspapers run polls on whether I should get sacked or not. I have never seen it before in 20 years I have been here.

“Who is driving that? It is not the Celtic fans. There is a minority of our support who need to calm down, let the players settle. It has been very disruptive the last few weeks but I am not using that as an excuse.

“In the main I think the majority of the supporters are behind the team and behind the club.

“There is no justification for me to get sacked, none whatsoever. I shouldn’t have to defend my record, it speaks for itself.

“We go through a little spell and conspiracy theories come out about dressing room break-ups, fall-outs, all that nonsense.

“It is fake news. I sound like Donald Trump now but it is just all fake news.”

Lennon also claimed the treatment of Duffy had been “hysterical” and “ridiculous”.

The former Celtic captain said: “P l ay e r s g e tt i n g singled out and abused, it is absolutely shocking.

“If that’s the way of the modern world, I am glad I am not a player any more.

“Shane needs to find his feet. He has had a bumpy week, nothing more nothing less. It happens.

“I am not happy with the treatment he is getting from certain quarters of the media. I think it is hysterical. Comments that he is rank rotten and he is a bombscare. I find that ridiculous.

“He is a quality player. The personal, banging the drum with certain players is unacceptable.

“He made a mistake, he shouldn’t be hung out to dry for it. He has my full support, he has the team’s full support.

“I have seen millions of players come in here and take time to find their feet and then go on to have brilliant careers. There is a clear lack of respect for the players, management and backroom staff at the minute because of one bad week.

“I’m telling you it’s media driven. There is a narrative that everybody wants to see a change. That’s fine, that’s the way of the world.”

Celtic boss Neil Lennon feels his record deserves respect.