Reports: Death threats from LVF

There are unconfirmed reports that tonight’s death threat against Neil Lennon purported to be from the Loyalist Volunteer Force.

The hardline group, whose stronghold is in Portadown and Lurgan, was once headed by Billy Wright, who was eventually assassinated in the top security Maze Prison in December 1997 just months before the Good Friday Agreement was forged.

Lennon's teammates left without him to take part in tonight's friendly game against Cyprus.

It is understood the Celtic midfielder was making arrangements to return to Glasgow.

Irish Football Association general secretary David Bowen said: ``I can confirm sadly that Neil has withdrawn for family reasons.

“Police informed Neil of a threat earlier today.

“The manager spoke to Neil and Neil spoke to his family and others and for family reasons he has told us that he has had to withdraw from tonight’s game.

“It is a decision he has thought about.

“As a result of that, he has for family reasons decided not to play and we respect that decision.”

Mr Bowen said McIlroy and Lennon’s team-mates were “devastated” by the death threats.

Lennon ran foul of certain sections of the Northern Ireland crowd when he signed for Martin O’Neill’s championship winning team and was booed by some members of the crowd 18 months ago in Belfast.

Death threats appeared on the walls of Loyalist areas including in his home town of Lurgan, Co Armagh.

One read: “Neil Lennon RIP”.