SFA decision not to punish Celtic boss Neil Lennon for Ibrox sending off vindicates him, says Johan Mjallby CELTIC No.2 Johan Mjallby reckons boss Neil Lennon was "vindicated" after being cleared of wrong-doing by the SFA following his sending off at Ibrox last month. The Hoops boss faced an SFA judicial panel at Hampden yesterday on two charges, and in the first one he was given a two-match touchline ban for criticising ref Willie Collum following the Scottish Communities League Cup final defeat by Kilmarnock at Hampden in March. However, he was given no punishment for being sent to the stand at the interval during the 3-2 defeat by Rangers the following week, in much more confusing circumstances, despite accepting a misconduct charge after clashing with fourth official Iain Brines. It is understood the SFA did not pursue accusations of insulting and abusive language over discussions with Brines and with ref Calum Murray in the referee's room at half-time. Lennon did not appear at the weekly press conference ahead of Sunday's SPL clash with Motherwell at Fir Park, but Mjallby said: "It was a private hearing and we are not going to discuss it but the verdict is there and Neil was vindicated by the decision from the SFA in that he didn't get any suspension from that game. "I was extremely surprised at the time that he was sent to the stands, I was surprised that he was not allowed to do his job in the second half. "I don't really know why, I think it was because he acted in an aggressive manner. "It was a fair hearing and we are happy with the outcome when it comes to what happened at the Old Firm game. "But we are disappointed that our manager is not able to do his job for two games." please log in to view this image It is understood the SFA did not pursue accusations of insulting and abusive language over discussions with Brines I wonder why? Whilst some people have been quick to jump on the bandwagon and say the Lennon was guilty even before his case was heard, despite not even knowing (or in reality, wanting to know) what actually happened. Have a look at the photo above and tell me exactly who the aggressor is in that picture. Now can anyone tell me why no one in the press or in the MSM mentioned the fact that Iain Brines had his finger in Neil Lennon's chest like some Public School headmaster? No,it's far easier to take the official's side of the story, it seems some people have learned nothing out of Dougiegate. "It is understood the SFA did not pursue accusations of insulting and abusive language over discussions with Brines" Maybe the SFA saw this photo or the video footage and decided that Brines was the one in the wrong. Maybe Neil Lennon is due another apology (he's still waiting on one from Dougie and Dallas) but I won't hold my breath waiting on it.
Referee's aren't allowed to do that by the way. Although its far from assualt there meant to set an example, a player would be sent off for that kind of action. Hell, I can remember a ref being suspended just for swearing.
You've nailed it - abundantly clear for all to see that the only aggressive action is being perpetrated by the overbearing referee.
No other manager in these islands has ever been subjected to the treatment Neil Lennon has been by referees and assistants in his two years. Some people may say it a mistake that caused referees and officials to tell lies once about Lennon. But when it is twice in two years that the referee and or officials have been found clearly lying when it comes to Lennon then it appears that their lying is more sinister. Only in Scotland the media doesn't report these liars,and only in Scotland would an ex Head of referees who himself was never cleared of a bullying charge, and had to leave his position for sending and transmitting a crude, vulgar sectarian e-mail, be allowed media space to describe Neil's action as bullying. Neil Lennon, is a passionate celtic Manager, and only passionate managers are successful. The media should be trying to help him instead of hindering. No amount of media help can help Rangers any more.
