Man arrested for posting online threats to Lennon

A MAN has been arrested after online threats aimed at Celtic manager Neil Lennon were posted on a social networking site.

Strathclyde Police said the 20-year-old was arrested and charged under the new Offensive Behaviour at Football and Threatening Communications (Scotland) Act 2012, which came into force on Thursday.

It is alleged he made threatening communications towards Lennon on a website.

He is believed to be the first person arrested under the web hatred element of the act. Two men were arrested on Saturday for offensive behaviour at football at the game between Rangers and Hearts at Ibrox. The act carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison.

The latest arrest took place at a home address in Glasgow yesterday, by officers from Strathclyde’s major crime and terrorism investigation unit.

Assistant Chief Constable Ruaraidh Nicolson said: “Posting threatening or offensive comments online is a crime. People may think that this is something they can do anonymously and there will be no repercussions but that is simply not the case – just because it’s online does not mean that the police won’t do anything about it – I can assure you we will.”

The man is expected to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court today.