Neil Lennon has offered his apologies to the Celtic board following the heated altercation with Rangers assistant manager Ally McCoist during Wednesday night’s Scottish Cup victory.
“He has had 24-hour surveillance outside his house two days in a row protecting him and his family and he thought it was right to step out of the way” – Alan Thompson
First-team coach Alan Thompson again took responsibility for facing the press as he explained the current situation.
“Neil apologised to the board regarding the events after the game on Wednesday night. And the board have accepted that. From our point of view, that’s finished,” he told BBC Scotland.
Lennon had earlier decided not to attend the media conference after the Rangers game and repeated that decision on Friday ahead of the weekend fixture with Hamilton Academical.
“Neil had a lot on his plate in the last couple of days and he thought it was right to stand out the way for a day or two,” Thompson explained. “He has had 24-hour surveillance outside his house two days in a row protecting him and his family and he thought it was right to step out of the way.
“I spend a lot of time with him at work and away from work and I know how difficult it is for his family in Scotland and in Ireland. I think it is important that he gets the protection and backing that we give him.”
