Neil Lennon first trophy with Omonia Nicosia sees former Celtic boss red carded after touchline meltdown

Neil Lennon marked his first trophy win with Omonia Nicosia by being sent to the stand after an angry confrontation with match officials.

The former Celtic and Hibs boss steered his new club to glory in the Cypriot Cup final on Wednesday, defeating Ethnikos Achnas on penalties despite his side being reduced to 10 men after just five minutes after Abdullahi Shehu was red carded.

The match finished goalless after 90 minutes and extra-time before Omonia went on to lift the cup 5-4 in the penalty shoot-out.

However, Lennon himself was sent to the stand in the final minute of extra-time after suffering a touchline meltdown, aiming a verbal blast and making gestures in the direction of the match officials to earn himself a red card. He was then held back by his backroom staff as he aimed sarcastic applause in the referee’s direction.

It was the first time Omonia had reached the final in a decade with victory now meaning Lennon will lead his side into a Europa League play-off next season – and a possible meeting with Hearts – with the guarantee of dropping into the Conference League group stages.

Lennon was appointed manager of the Cypriot club in March, just over a year after leaving Celtic, and he has only tasted defeat once his arrival.