Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
POLICE PROBE LENNON DEATH THREAT
Hibs boss targeted by vile abuse online after club’s clash with Rangers
POLICE are probing vile death threats made against Hibs manager Neil Lennon.
The sinister messages were posted online after the former Northern Ireland star’s side beat Rangers at the weekend.
One read: “Somebody needs to shoot that f***.”
A Police Scotland spokesman said it is “aware of offensive and threatening comments posted on social media concerning a named individual”. He added: “Enquiries are ongoing.”
The ex-celtic captain and boss, 46, from Lurgan, quit international football after a loyalist death threat in 2002.
SICKENING death threats have been made against Hibs manager Neil Lennon following the club’s powderkeg match with Rangers.
Police Scotland yesterday confirmed officers are investigating a series of vile Facebook posts made after the match on Saturday.
The thread includes two men discussing shooting Lurganman Lennon with one, going by the name Jamie Marshall, saying: “Somebody needs to shoot that f***.”
The other, under the name Sean Cowan, replies saying: “Someone give me a weapon and I will shoot this little terrorist c*** in the head with impunity.”
He then worryingly goes on to claim he has previous convictions involving guns saying: “I can get one. Not a problem.
“Police Scotland probably all over it now though I have previous for firearms so expecting a chap soon.”
Former Celtic captain and manager Lennon, 46, sparked controversy over a goal celebration as his side won 3-2 at Ibrox.
The Hibs boss turned to the Rangers fans and cupped his hands to his ears before making what was thought to be an “up yours” gesture with his fist.
Police launched a separate probe into his conduct following complaints.
But in the latest development it emerged Lennon has been targeted by online trolls.
A spokesperson said: “Police are aware of offensive and threatening comments posted on social media concerning a named individual. Enquiries are currently ongoing.” Rivalry between the clubs intensified after Hibernian’s dramatic Scottish Cup victory over Rangers in 2015.
The triumph, the club’s first for 114 years, triggered a pitch invasion and ugly scenes at Hampden.
The Premiership clash was the first time the clubs had met since the final last year. Referee John Beaton booked nine players and sent off Rangers midfielder Ryan Jack during a fiery match.
There was also controversy in the dugouts as well.
Ibrox boss Pedro Caixinha took a swipe at Lennon and officials after Rangers crashed to a 3-2 defeat. When Simon Murray equalised for the visitors, ex-northern Ireland player Lennon made a celebratory gesture towards the home fans. That angered Caixinha and assistant Helder Baptista, who was then spotted speaking to police in the technical area.
But Lennon insisted there was nothing wrong with his reaction. He said: “I was celebrating a goal. So what way are you supposed to celebrate a goal?” At least one object, believed to be a lighter, was thrown at Lennon during the match.
He quit the international scene when he withdrew from a Northern Ireland side due to play Cyprus in 2002 following a reported death threat from loyalist paramilitaries.
As manager of Celtic he was sent bullets in the post in 2011. And in 2008 he was treated in hospital after being assaulted in Glasgow.
Meanwhile, two men, aged 45 and 53, were hospitalised after a brawl broke out between Rangers and Hibernian fans on Saturday in the city.