LENNON UNDER FIRE Fans’ fury at defeat
Celts slam fans after furious mob attack stars with missiles Lenny on the brink but boss begs board not to pull trigger
front entrance of the stadium after the defeat chanting against the board and calling for boss Neil Lennon to be axed.
A heavy police presence was in attendance as angry punters vented their feelings, with vans at the scene and helicopters circling above as the situation got heated.
Ryan Christie was forced to cut short postmatch media interviews as players were escorted from the ground.
A Celtic statement slammed the behaviour and confirmed missiles were aimed at individuals in the squad in the car park as they attempted to leave the scene.
It said: “Everyone is hugely disappointed by this afternoon’s result, one which has ended our phenomenal run of 35 consecutive cup victories.
“While we share the huge disappointment of all Celtic supporters, there can be no excuse for some of the violent scenes at Celtic Park this evening. The club will be investigating these events fully.
“For players and a management team who have given so much in recent years and have delivered 11 consecutive trophies to require an escort from Celtic Park while being targeted with missiles is unacceptable.
“While we understand that only a small s number of people we were involved in this behavibehaviour, some of the actionsactions, which have obviously leftl our own players shakshaken, cannot be condoned in any way.” Lennon was the main target ofo the venom, but insinsists it is too soon forfo him to be sacked, sacked even if he admits he can’t say what ddecisions will be taken on his future by the c club hierarchy.
His position is under threatth after the exit added to t deep angst among fans. fans
The protestsprote came just days after a banner was held up outside the stadium ccalling for him to resignresign. After the game, Lennon vowed to fight on if given the chance.
Asked if he would keep going, he said: “Of course. I believe in myself.
“I am not always going to harp on about what I have done in the past.
“We are in the present, I know the expectations from the supporters and the board for the club.
“I am falling short of that at the minute, me and my backroom team.
“It’s okay saying: We are going to turn a corner. There is no point talking about it. We need to do it with our actions and soon.
“Ot h e rwise th e landscape could change for me very quickly.”
Lennon confessed he couldn’t speak for certain about the intentions of club chiefs like majority shareholder Dermot Desmond and chiefexecutive Peter Lawwell.
He continued: “I can’t answer that. But I spoke to Dermot and Peter on Friday and we want to find solutions to the problems we are having.
“On the evidence of today, we are still having those problems. I can’t say what decisions the board may or may not make.”
He was asked how he’d feel if the club acted after a run of two wins in 10.
Lennon said: “I’m not going to answer hypothetical questions. But I think it’s too soon for that.
“We’ve lost one trophy, that’s gone. Our priority, as we know, is the league.
“There is plenty of time to turn it around. But it’s alright me saying that. We have to show it with action now. And I think I should get more time at it.”
But he then finished that sentence by adding: “But if not, then so be it.”