Problems mount for Lennon after suspicious package discovered

Neil Lennon starts a four-match touchline ban today against Hamilton but the Celtic boss again finds himself with more serious concerns following the interception of a suspicious package which had been addressed to him.

The item, which was intercepted at a sorting office in Saltcoats, turned out to be a hoax, Celtic confirmed, but Lennon has been given 24-hour surveillance at his home and was accompanied to training yesterday by a security officer.

It’s another worrying period for the former Northern Ireland international who had bullets sent to him in the post earlier this season.

Lennon was a central figure in the mayhem which engulfed Wednesday night’s Scottish Cup fifth-round replay win over Rangers.

The Celtic boss clashed with Rangers assistant manager Ally McCoist at the end of the 1-0 home win, which saw three visiting players red-carded.

The Scottish Football Association promised an investigation in to Wednesday night’s events at Parkhead.

Celtic chief executive Peter Lawwell, though, revealed the club’s distress at the latest security alert surrounding Lennon.

He said: “Clearly, this most recent sickening event in a long line of threats to Neil and his family is extremely worrying.

“This demonstrates the intensity and pressure which Neil endures as the Celtic manager. However, he has coped with these issues incredibly well during his short time as manager, showing what a strong character he is.

“Indeed, it is extremely sad that Neil has had to contend with such issues for more than a decade, both as a Celtic player and manager.

“No one in any walk of life should have to live their life in this way and those responsible should be condemned.

“It goes without saying Neil and his family will continue to receive every support from the club. We know Neil will also have the full backing of all our fans as he and the club did on Wednesday evening. While these events are very concerning, we would ask that they continue to back the club in this positive Celtic manner.

“While the authorities and other commentators have taken a close interest in recent football events, we would hope they would give similar attention to also condemning such actions.”

Lennon will be absent from the Celtic Park technical area today as his side take on bottom club Accies in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League.

The Hoops boss was sent to the stand by referee Craig Thomson at Tynecastle back in November after a bust-up with fourth official Steven McLean, and on top of the automatic two-match ban he was further punished in January by the SFA with an additional four games for “excessive misconduct”.

However, following a hearing with the SFA’s Appeals Board at Hampden on Thursday night, a new sanction of an automatic two-game suspension and an additional two matches was imposed.