Celtic manager Neil Lennon facing action over 'offensive, insulting and abusive language'
The complaint relates to his team's 1-1 draw at St Mirren Park on Sunday
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Celtic manager Neil Lennon faces Scottish Football Association disciplinary action over his language during his team's 1-1 draw at St Mirren Park on Sunday.
Lennon was today issued with a notice of complaint by the SFA's compliance officer accusing him of misconduct, specifically his alleged "failure to behave in a responsible manner as an occupant of the technical area by repeated use of offensive, insulting and abusive language".
The microphones on the live television coverage of the game appeared to pick up Lennon swearing at St Mirren captain Jim Goodwin following a tackle near the visiting dugout.
Lennon has not been offered a fixed suspension and has seven days to respond to the notice of complaint, with a hearing date pencilled in for April 18.
The charge relates to a verbal exchange in the 75th minute of the Clydesdale Bank Premier League, after Goodwin put in a strong but fair challenge on Celtic's Dylan McGeouch. A voice which appears to be Lennon's was heard to say: "Well done Jim, think you're a hard man, eh?" before the swearing began.
Goodwin, a former Celtic team-mate of Lennon's, had brushed off the incident before the SFA took action.
Goodwin said in the Daily Record: "McGeouch had just come on, I flew into a tackle with him and Lenny was just protecting his player. He barked a few words at me and I have no problem with that.
"I'm just happy the Sky microphone wasn't close enough to pick up my unprintable reply or else I'd be in trouble myself.
"Lenny probably wouldn't have spoken to me again if he had heard my reply but it was all a top bit of football banter and I have no problems at all.
"We are both passionate men who want to win and both of us are bad losers."
After the match, Lennon described Bobby Madden's display as the "most appalling refereeing performance I have seen for a long, long time".
Madden made several dubious major decisions, including a penalty following an incident which yesterday saw St Mirren forward Esmael Goncalves issued with a notice of complaint for alleged simulation.
Celtic have also notified the SFA of their intention to appeal against Victor Wanyama's red card in the game, with confirmation of an appeal hearing expected later.
PA
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments