Celtic’s manager, Neil Lennon, was attacked by a fan during a Scottish Premier League game between Celtic and Hearts at Tynecastle. Early in the second half a man jumped out of the main stands and attempted to punch and grab Lennon by the neck. The fan made minimal contact with Lennon but was quickly taken down by nearby coaches. Lennon tried to fight back with his legs as security got involved.
The chief executive of the Scottish Football Association, Stewart Regan, issued an immediate statement saying:
“Clearly this kind of behaviour from supporters is wholly unacceptable. The safety of players, club officials and match officials is paramount on or around the field of play, and this clear breach of security is a matter I will be discussing with SPL chief executive Neil Doncaster tomorrow.”
A club statement from Hearts was given as well:
‘An investigation into events which took place in the second half of tonight’s game against Celtic is now under way. Hearts is a club which prides itself on its ‘football for all’ policy and these sorts of actions have no place in the game of football.
”We will give our full support to the stewards and police authorities in the ensuing investigation into the events at tonight’s match.”
Celtic beat Hearts 3-0.
via Guardian
