Police probe Lennon Old Firm complaints

Police in Scotland are investigating a string of complaints about Celtic star Neil Lennon following Saturday’s fiery Old Firm clash, it emerged today.

Two players were sent off and a number of players booked during a bad-tempered Glasgow derby against Rangers at Ibrox.

Now it has emerged that police are investigating claims that Celtic midfielder Lennon made comments to fans during the match, which was marred by ugly scenes.

It has also been reported that he spat on a Rangers scarf which was thrown on to the side of the pitch during the game.

A spokeswoman for Strathclyde Police said today: “A number of incidents involving Neil Lennon have been brought to police attention. We are currently looking into this. However, there is nothing to suggest that there will be any action taken at this stage.”

A Celtic spokeswoman said: “There has been no request (by police) to speak to any of our players regarding any incident.”

The former Northern Ireland international is currently in Spain with the rest of the Celtic squad ahead of a Champions League match against Barcelona tomorrow.

Meanwhile, Rangers star Nacho Novo complained to police after vandals sprayed “Novo RIP” on a fence outside his flat.

The graffiti appeared following Rangers’ 2-0 victory on Saturday.

A police spokeswoman said: “We have received a complaint regarding graffiti on a fence. It occurred between 8pm on Saturday evening and 9pm on Sunday evening. Inquiries are continuing.”

It is not the first incident involving the Spanish striker, who scored in Saturday’s 2-0 win – last month his BMW convertible was vandalised and his tyres were slashed.

The weekend’s ill-tempered Old Firm match has drawn much criticism from pundits to politicians.

Scottish First Minister Jack McConnell condemned the behaviour of both clubs as “totally unacceptable” and described Saturday’s events as a “step back in time”.

Novo, 25, was only given the go-ahead to play in Saturday’s game 24 hours earlier after having his red card from the previous week rescinded.

But he could be back in trouble with the Scottish Football Association after claims that he stamped on Celtic’s Stephen Pearson during the clash.

Celtic forward Henri Camara is also being investigated by the SFA over an incident in the game.