Lennon to contest SFA charge over foul language

CELTIC manager Neil Lennon looks likely to contest his charge from the SFA for use of foul and abusive language in the Parkhead side’s recent 1-1 draw with St Mirren in Paisley.

Neil Lennon. Picture: Phil Wilkinson

Lennon was overheard on microphone during the broadcast shouting and allegedly using offensive language in a tirade against Buddies captain Jim Goodwin, following a hard challenge on one of Celtic’s players.

The Northern Irishman faces a tribunal at Hampden on April 18 over the complaint, and still has an outstanding three-match suspended sentence dating back to an incident that took place during the Scottish Cup semi-final clash between Celtic and Hearts at the national stadium last season.

Lennon stands accused of misconduct during the match at St Mirren Park, specifically a “failure to behave in a responsible manner as an occupant of the technical area by repeated use of offensive, insulting and abusive language”.

The Celtic boss also described Bobby Madden’s display during the SPL clash as the “most appalling refereeing performance I have seen for a long, long time”, after a series of dubious major decisions from the official, including a penalty following an incident that led to St Mirren forward Esmael Goncalves being served a notice of complaint for alleged diving.

Lennon said last week that he was unable to talk about the incident involving himself, but vowed to defend his case ‘as vigorously as possible.’

Should the Celtic boss be found guilty, he faces being banned for a minimum of three games due to that suspended sentence from last season.