Return Ticket To Hampden For Lennon?

Last updated : 19 April 2012 By Ed_Scottishfitba

Neil Lennon animatedNeil Lennon will be heading to Hampden today to contest two of a possible five disciplinary charges brought by the SFA.  The Celtic manager had a few words to say about referee Willie Collum after the Scottish Communities League Cup final where the club lost to Kilmarnock . He deemed Collum's decision not to award the Hoops a late penalty as "criminal". Just a week later Lennon was was sent off by referee Calum Murray at half-time in Old Firm derby at Ibrox when Rangers went onto win 3-2
 
Since then SFA compliance officer Vincent Lunny wrote to Lennon seeking an explanation for his comments about referees ahead of an SPL game against St Johnstone at Celtic Park at the start of the month. This incident will be dealt with at a later date - although there are suggestions that the matter may be dropped.
 
However, Lennon may be making a return journey to Hampden following his actions at the end of the Scottish Cup semi-final defeat by Hearts at Hampden on Sunday. Lennon confronted referee Euan Norris on the pitch after Celtic's hopes of a league and cup double disappeared when Hearts won 2-1 thanks in part to penalty converted by ex-Celt Craig Beattie. The penalty was awarded after a shot from Hearts captain Marius Zaliukas hit the arm of Joe Ledley, before brushing the hand of Victor Wanyama. Lennon was enraged when Norris ignored penalty claims from Celtic in injury time when the ball appeared to come off the arm of Hearts defender Andy Webster.
 
Celtic coach Alan Thompson confirmed Lennon had visited the referee's room after the game. It is likely that he will be asked to explain his actions, as well as remarks he made on his Twitter account after the game. He tweeted: "Referee told players he thought (Victor) Wanyama handled...feel so sorry for players and fans..I think it's personal myself." Lennon later re-tweeted a comment from Celtic supporter @DazDiCanio which suggested the club: "pack our bags and get out of this league that is run by crooked #SFA officials".