O'Neill: Gers fans abused Lennon
Celtic manager Martin O’Neill tonight accused the Rangers supporters of racially abusing Neil Lennon during Saturday’s Old Firm derby.
The Northern Irishman’s outburst was triggered by a question over his own post-match actions after the 2-0 defeat at Ibrox.
O’Neill was criticised for being “provocative” after he led Lennon to the travelling contingent and repeatedly punched the air following the stormy match.
And he claimed to have no regrets over the incident, instead complaining about the treatment his fellow countryman – who is being investigated by police over some of his own actions – received.
O’Neill compared the abuse of the Rangers fans to the Spaniards who targeted England’s black international stars in last Wednesday’s friendly in Madrid.
The Bhoys boss said: “What should I regret? I go to the away fans every fortnight with the players and nothing has been said before.
“I think this is the first time we have been beaten away from home in 18 months and nobody has picked up on that at all.”
He claimed: “I applauded the crowd because the support was fantastic – and because Neil Lennon was abused from start to finish I think I had a right to show some support.
“He was verbally abused in a racial and sectarian manner. Neil Lennon was subjected to this from start to finish – and it reached an incredible crescendo at the end.”
