Celtic have declared themselves satisfied with their players' behaviour after a chaotic Old Firm match sparked questions in the Scottish Parliament.
Both clubs have been summoned to a meeting with Scottish Government and police officials following Celtic's 1-0 Scottish Cup win, which saw Rangers trio Steven Whittaker, Madjid Bougherra and El-Hadji Diouf sent off. The match ended with Celtic boss Neil Lennon reacting furiously to something said by Rangers assistant Ally McCoist.
"We tried to play football throughout the game and, over and above that, I was delighted that, in such an atmosphere, the team remained composed and disciplined during what was, at times, a difficult game," Lennon told www.celticfc.net.
Lennon also tried to defuse his row with McCoist, who takes over as Rangers manager in the summer.
"We've both got a lot of experience of this fixture and know that sometimes, in the heat of the moment, things can be said and words exchanged," the Celtic boss said.
"It is a passionate game and both of us want our team to win. However, we were still able to sit down after the game and, as far as we are concerned, the matter is closed."
The game will be the subject of an investigation by Scottish Football Association chief executive Stewart Regan, who hit out at the "inflammatory and irresponsible behaviour throughout".
But Celtic chief executive Peter Lawwell took issue with elements of Regan's statement.
"Celtic had three players booked," said Lawwell. "To put this in the context of other matches, St Johnstone received two bookings in their match against Aberdeen, while Motherwell received five bookings against Celtic last Sunday.
"Contrary to Stewart's statement I do not think that our players showed a lack of respect to officials."
Source: PA
