Celtic manager Neil Lennon thanks fans for support after Aberdeen fans throw missiles at him during League Cup semi-final

Celtic fans paid tribute to their manager in the 18th minute of the win over St Mirren to support former player Lennon, who wore number 18 during his time at Parkhead

Agency
Monday 03 February 2014 09:27 GMT
Comments
Neil Lennon has thanked Celtic fans for their support after he was pelted with missiles by Aberdeen fans
Neil Lennon has thanked Celtic fans for their support after he was pelted with missiles by Aberdeen fans (GETTY IMAGES)

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.

Neil Lennon thanked the Celtic fans for their show of support after he was pelted with missiles while watching Aberdeen's 4-0 League Cup semi-final win over St Johnstone on Saturday.

Lennon had to leave Tynecastle not long after the hour mark after coins and cups of liquid were thrown at him, although both hit the wrong targets.

The Celtic fans responded to the latest tribulation to affect Lennon with a special reception during the 18th minute of their team's 1-0 win over St Mirren on Sunday.

Lennon, who wore the number 18 as a Celtic player, said: "I can't thank them enough for that. I think it gave the players a real lift.

"It's something we don't hear very often in games where we're so much in control, but I think the supporters felt it meant a lot to me personally."

However, Lennon admitted he was considering aborting his spying missions to Scottish grounds after fearing for his safety and others' during the game.

"I've been at all the grounds, I was at Motherwell the week before watching Aberdeen and I've been all up and down the country, and I've never had to put up with that before," the 42-year-old said.

"It makes me think twice about going to games if that's the type of thing that's going to happen. It could have been worse, somebody could have been hurt.

"I'm not over-exaggerating it, someone could have been hit in the eye with a coin. It's just not on.

"Eventually you've got to say 'right' and maybe need to look at something else in your life if you can't go to a game and enjoy it when you're out working."

PA

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in