The Stormont Culture, Arts and Leisure Minister said: "That anyone should issue threats to one of Northern Ireland’s players simply because he has signed for a particular team in the Scottish Premier League is appalling.

"Let no-one be in any doubt that this type of thuggery has absolutely no place in sport and that to fail to condemn it is to fail to support our international team.

"We don’t need, nor do we want, this sort of behaviour especially at a time when the entire football family is pulling together for the future well-being of the game."

Mr McGimpsey echoed Northern Ireland football manager Sammy McIlroy who has also spoken out against loyalists for threatening Mr Lennon.

In Mr Lennon’s home town of Lurgan, Co Armagh, the slogan "Neil Lennon RIP" has been daubed on a wall.

There have also been allegations that Glasgow Rangers supporters are planning to barrack the Celtic player during tomorrow night’s international game at Windsor Park.

Mr McIlroy said today that the Northern Ireland squad was "shocked" by the animosity some people were showing towards the player because he is now playing for Celtic.

"This is very serious and we are concerned for Neil, his family and his friends," Mr McIlroy said.

"Hopefully, it is just a hoax and was done after a few drinks and someone got carried away.

"We do not want anything to do with it. Whatever club Neil Lennon plays for is up to him but when he comes to me he always gives 100%. I want the Windsor Park fans who have been marvellous to me to get behind the team."

The Irish Football Association has also condemned the threats, warning if the player receives a hostile reception it could have implications for sponsorship.

IFA community relations spokesman Michael Boyd, whose association has been running a 'Kick Out Sectarianism' campaign on the Northern Ireland terraces in recent years, claimed: "It would have serious effects including sponsorship and other matters and there is no doubt it would set us back."