NO EXCUSE TO GO FULL FENLON

NEVER go full Fenlon. Words that all Hibernian managers should heed. A warning from history that Neil Lennon chose to ignore. Pat Fenlon famously claimed he had ‘made a gesture in relation to the way we were playing’ after clearly giving an ‘up yours’ sign to the Hearts supporters during their Scottish Cup final battering at Hampden. At Ibrox on Saturday, Lennon might have gotten away with cupping his hands to his ears and staring down the Rangers fans after Hibernian’s equaliser. But what happened next, the full and unmistakeable, universally-understood sign language for ‘roond ye’ … that’s what will get him the SFA misconduct charge. Fenlon ended up with a four-match ban, two of those suspended, for his offence back in 2012. Lennon should expect the same. Depending on their mood, the disciplinary bods at Hampden might even throw in a little extra for Lennon’s post-match claim that ‘I didn’t make a gesture, I celebrated a goal.’ He kept a straight face while arguing this point. Which was an achievement on a par with his team’s victory, to be honest. Lennon suffers absolutely horrendous abuse at games. Anyone who was at Ibrox on Saturday will have overheard at least one insult that crossed the line. He has a point, too, when he says: ‘If I pick my nose, somebody will find something to criticise me for.’ Without condoning nasal excavation in public, there is something silly about the faux outrage that accompanies even minor reactions from players and managers. But those on the field of play have a responsibility to behave in a way unlikely to inflame the more loutish elements in the crowd. All managers get it wrong from time to time. The canny ones say: ‘Yeah, I did it. But I was getting unbelievable stick from the fans. Sorry if anyone was offended. But, come on, we’re all grown-ups. So grow up.’ Be like that. Don’t be like Pat.