Celtic vow to stamp out ‘embarrassing’ IRA chants

Speaking at today’s AGM at Celtic Park, Lawwell warned fans they were putting the club’s reputation at risk.

Lothian and Borders Police confirmed they had launched an investigation into allegations of the “singing of sectarian songs” following Celtic’s 2-0 defeat by Hearts on October 2.

Lawwell said: “Chants glorifying the Provisional IRA are totally unacceptable.

“One, it is wrong, and it is an embarrassment to the club and embarrassment to the majority of supporters.

“We were inundated by complaints from our own fans after the game at Tynecastle.

“We have dealt with it at Celtic Park and we will do all we can to make sure it doesn’t happen home or away.

“We don’t want it, we don’t need it.

“We have the best supporters in the world and hold that reputation dear.”

At the same meeting, Celtic manager Neil Lennon admitted that majority shareholder Dermot Desmond has admonished him over his touchline behaviour, but insisted the Irishman is equally passionate about the club.

Celtic shareholders questioned why Desmond did not attend today’s AGM, but Lennon revealed he was in regular contact with the billionaire.

Lennon, who received two touchline bans from the Scottish Football Association last season, said: “I speak to him at least once a week. He is as passionate as I am.

“He gives me good advice but has also given me a talking down at times about my behaviour on the touchline or my demeanour.

“I spoke to him yesterday and he was asking about the players coming back from international duty, what condition they were in.

“He is always looking for me to find a different angle, an edge.

“I guarantee he has the best interests of the team at heart.”

Lennon also claimed he has no regrets about giving Georgios Samaras a new three-year contract - but admits the striker could cost him his job. Samaras signed a new deal in March despite netting just three SPL goals last season, two of them against Rangers at Ibrox.

The Greece striker has failed to score this term for Celtic and has been the subject of criticism from supporters, but Lennon continues to pick him for big occasions.

Lennon today backed Samaras at the club’s annual general meeting, but confessed he had to get more out of the 26-year-old - or pay the price.

When asked by a shareholder if he regretted handing Samaras a three-year contract, Lennon said: “No, I don’t. The alternative was to let him leave for nothing.

“There was a lot of interest in him from other clubs. But he wanted to stay here and prove himself. So he is our player.

“I have to encourage him and eke the talent out of him because he has attributes.

“He is a player who could ultimately get me the sack.

“I am as much to blame as him for his performances but I can’t give up on him.”