 Peter Lawwell is not about to let his manager be vilified as the guilty party over the distressing scenes at the end of the Scottish Cup replay with Rangers. The club Chief Executive insists Lennon was not the instigator and has stepped in to defend his manager. Lawwell said: "Neil reacted to a particular situation he didn't instigate in a way which he regrets. He immediately apologised to the board and the matter is now closed. He also met with Ally McCoist. We do not condone his behaviour. He agrees he slipped below the very high standards set at this club. In terms of mitigating factors you need to understand what is going on his life. He is man who is under the normal pressure as Celtic manager to win games. But other than that he's got to put up with live ammunition being sent through the post, death threats, 24 hour surveillance and security measures. So it's quite a lot to take on at the moment." |