Police probe into Old Firm match

STRATHCLYDE Police have launched an investigation into events at an Old Firm match last week which was condemned as "disgraceful" by First Minister Alex Salmond.

Three Rangers players were sent off during the Scottish Cup clash and there was a heated touchline altercation between Celtic boss Neil Lennon and Rangers' assistant manager Ally McCoist at the final whistle.

A police spokesperson confirmed: "We have received complaints from members of the public regarding allegations surrounding the events during the Old Firm match on Wednesday, 2 March, 2011, which we are currently investigating."

Lennon's lawyer last night hit back at "despicable individuals" who were making allegations about the Celtic manager.

Paul McBride, who represented Lennon at his appeal against a six-match touchline ban, said there was "a concerted campaign by malicious and despicable individuals to cause distress to Neil Lennon." He added: "Celtic Football Club and Celtic fans stand by their manager in the face of these vicious and unacceptable attacks."

The police investigation emerged as Lennon yesterday paid his respects to – and seemed to seek inspiration from – one of the club's legends.

At a ceremony attended by the leading figures at the club and former players, a statue to the man hailed as the club's greatest manager, Jock Stein, was unveiled.

Although not present for the ceremony, Lennon arrived afterwards with the team before yesterday's game, and reached out and touched the statue as he made his way in to Celtic Park.

At the unveiling, the club played a recording of Stein addressing his players before a match in which he urged them all to accept refereeing decisions, good or bad, and get on with the game.

That contrasts with the approach favoured by Lennon, who urges players to "get in referees' faces", and has also openly criticised referees and their decisions.

Salmond has called a summit meeting this week amid calls for the games to be played behind closed doors in future, and for greater alcohol restrictions.

Yesterday, the half-ton bronze of Stein by sculptor John McKenna was unveiled at Celtic Park in front of hundreds of cheering fans, members of his family and some of the remaining Lisbon Lions. Celtic chairman, Lord Reid, present at the unveiling, refused to be drawn on the Old Firm row.

He told Scotland on Sunday: "We have a great manager who's doing a great job and we're going to concentrate over the next few months on making sure that we bring the trophy (SPL) back to Celtic Park."