Lennon fuming after controversy

11 November 2010 07:01

Neil Lennon is on course for another collision with the Scottish Football Association after being sent off by referee Craig Thomson in the 2-0 defeat to Hearts at Tynecastle.

Lennon was then dismissed from the dugout by referee Craig Thomson after complaining to fourth official Steven McLean and linesman Graham Chambers.

The Celtic manager said: "I don't know why I was sent off. Alan Thompson and Johan Mjallby had a pop as well."

The Celtic boss was already enraged at the red card handed to midfielder Joe Ledley for a challenge on Ian Black, who had opened the scoring with a deflected drive in the first half, when David Templeton made it 2-0.

However, he boiled over again when Thomson ignored a penalty claim when Jambos substitute Ryan Stevenson looked like he might have used an arm in the box.

The incident is sure to spark more controversy following the Irishman's recent spat with the SFA and referee Dougie McDonald after the official rescinded a penalty award at Dundee United and then admitted lying to Lennon about how he had come to the decision.

"By the time the fourth official called the referee over I had long finished," he added. "There was no talk between me and the referee so obviously it's the fourth official's decision to send me to the stand and I'm not happy about it at all.

"It was a clear penalty. I can see that 45 yards away. It was a clear penalty and if Craig doesn't see it, why doesn't his assistant see it?

"So again we are talking about referees after the game. I will think about appealing. I want a clarification on mine first and clarification on Jo and we will have a look at it."

Asked if he would be writing again to the SFA, as he did after theMcDonald penalty incident at Tannadice and after Willie Collum gave Rangers a penalty in their recent win at Parkhead, he replied: "I don't know. Probably."

Source: PA