Jefferies felt trouble brewing

13 May 2011 12:00

Hearts manager Jim Jefferies did not fear for his own safety on Wednesday night as Celtic boss Neil Lennon was attacked on the touchline at Tynecastle but reiterated his belief that the atmosphere had an unusually acidic air.

John Wilson, 26, of Edinburgh, was charged with breach of the peace aggravated by religious prejudice and assault aggravated by religious prejudice on Thursday after clambering from the main stand and charging towards Celtic boss Lennon. No plea or declaration was made in the private hearing at Edinburgh Sheriff Court and he was remanded in custody for further examination of the case.

And when asked whether he was concerned about his own safety, Jefferies said: "No."

The Hearts boss, though, repeated his post-match comments that the atmosphere at Tynecastle - a cosy stadium renowned for the noise created, with the crowd close to the pitch - was tense.

Speaking ahead of Sunday's Clydesdale Bank Premier League match at Dundee United, Jefferies added: "There seemed to be this hostile atmosphere.

"I felt there was some other agenda.

"You always felt there was something ready to kick off.

"The Celtic supporters are always very, very vocal but the other night even before the game started and right through they went through the full repertoire. I've never heard them as noisy as that.

"You just felt there was something brewing.

"But thankfully it never spilled onto the pitch. Even though there were some feisty challenges, the players never responded."

Source: PA