Problems mount up for Lennon

Neil Lennon starts a four-match touchline ban today against Hamilton but the Celtic boss again finds himself with more serious concerns following the interception of a suspicious package which had been addressed to him.

The item, which was intercepted at a sorting office in Saltcoats, turned out to be a hoax, Celtic confirmed, but Lennon has been given 24-hour surveillance at his home and was accompanied to training yesterday by a security officer.

It's another worrying period for the former Northern Ireland international who had bullets sent to him in the post earlier this season. Lennon was a central figure in the mayhem which engulfed Wednesday night's Scottish Cup fifth-round replay win over Rangers.

The Celtic boss clashed with Rangers assistant manager Ally McCoist at the end of the 1-0 home win, which saw three visiting players red-carded.

The Scottish Football Association promised an investigation in to Wednesday night's events at Parkhead.

Celtic chief executive Peter Lawwell, though, revealed the club's distress at the latest security alert surrounding Lennon.

He said: "Clearly, this most recent sickening event in a long line of threats to Neil and his family is extremely worrying.

"This demonstrates the intensity and pressure which Neil endures as the Celtic manager.

"However, he has coped with these issues incredibly well during his short time as manager, showing what a strong character he is.

"Indeed, it is extremely sad that Neil has had to contend with such issues for more than a decade, both as a Celtic player and manager. No one in any walk of life should have to live their life in this way and those responsible should be condemned."