O'Neill wins libel battle

Celtic manager Martin O’Neill has accepted substantial undisclosed libel damages over a newspaper allegation which stated he was joining Liverpool.

His solicitor, Paul Hackney, told Mr Justice Eady at London’s High Court that the article in The Daily Record, in February last year, questioned O’Neill’s loyalty and commitment to Celtic, and his integrity.

The piece followed publication, in January 2003, of Mr O’Neill’s express denial that he would be leaving Celtic and of his agreement to a new contract with his employers.

It stated that he had signed a legal document to join Liverpool and alleged the agreement with the Merseyside club was concluded before Mr O’Neill announced the agreement of his new contract with Celtic.

Hackney said that the allegations, which caused O’Neill to issue further denials in the media, had caused him great distress and anxiety.

Scottish Daily Record and Sunday Mail Ltd agreed to pay him substantial damages and his legal costs.

The newspapers’ solicitor, Patrick Swaffer, confirmed their acceptance that the allegations were without foundation and offered their sincere apologies.