Unionist minister said ‘no hiding place’ for those who threatened Celtic star Neil Lennon

Neil Lennon received a death threat hours before he was due to captain Northern Ireland in 2002 (PA)

A unionist minister wrote directly to Celtic star Neil Lennon in 2002 after he had received a death threat hours ahead of playing for Northern Ireland, telling him there “must be no hiding place” for those responsible.

The letter from then Culture, Arts and Leisure (DCAL) minister Michael McGimpsey said Lennon had “displayed remarkable courage” after he had been jeered by fans at Windsor Park the previous year.