Lennon 'won't be intimidated'

Published Friday, 22 April 2011
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Lurgan man Neil Lennon has said he will not be intimidated out of his job as manager of Celtic by threats, after it emerged parcel bombs had been posted to him.

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As police in Scotland continue to appeal for three key witnesses in a bid to catch those responsible, Lennon claimed the attacks on him would not have happened at any other club.

"And it's not because it's my aggressive behaviour on the pitch any more," he added.

"A lot was said about that when I played and I think you all know the reasons why these things are happening now.

"It's good that people are talking about it and we will get something done about it."

Devices were also sent to high profile Celtic fans, former Labour MSP Trish Godman and Lennon's lawyer Paul McBride QC.

"Anyone in any walk of life shouldn't have to deal with something like this," Lennon said. "It is uncomfortable - you see your face every hour on the hour on the news and after a while you start thinking 'Is that me they are talking about?'"

Fans came out in support of the Hoops boss on Thursday night, holding a special vigil outside Celtic Park in Glasgow to show their solidarity. Lennon said the support meant a lot to him.

"For me this is the greatest privilege in my life, to manage this football club and the support I've had from the fans and my close family and friends has been my strength," he said.

"My life has changed a bit but what the job entails hasn't changed as far as I'm concerned - I'm totally committed to the club and supporters and certainly committed to the players."

Strathclyde police say a post box in Kilwinning in North Ayshire is now a focal point of their investigation into the parcel bombs.

They are now trying to track down three potential witnesses who walked past the box last Friday and are looking for a couple, thought to be in their late teens, and another man in his 30s.

But Lennon's focus is now Sunday's Old Firm game at Ibrox.

"You get an opportunity to manage Celtic once in a lifetime," he said. "I would have regretted it the rest of my life if I hadn't taken it. It (the is not going to deter me from doing what I want to do."

Strathclyde police have revealed there will be 1,000 extra officers deployed on the streets of Glasgow to ensure the day passes off peacefully.

© UTV News
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3 Comments
veritas in Belfast wrote (396 days ago):
Mary B I doubt very much if a Rangers player or member of the Rangers management will receive the same level of abuse or real danger as Neil lennon. This isn't just about sport it's far more sinister.
Mary B. in Newry wrote (397 days ago):
I'm not a Celtic fan nor a fan of any other team. But how low is this? The scum are starting to target Sports people. I hope the Scottish police find these thugs. Keep your head high Neil and enjoy doing what you do best. Next we will have another thug targeting a member of Rangers. Crazy to bring this into Sport.
joe in belfast wrote (397 days ago):
i hope the Strathclyde police find the idiots responsible, and put them before the courts. Neil Lennon manages celtic, so what. no one deserves what Neil has went through, people need to wise up.
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MICHAEL LAW
This past weekend was a massive one in both rugby and in football as both Leinster and Chelsea became European Champions.
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