Neil Lennon has revealed that Hibs will vigorously contest his five match UEFA ban.
The Irishman was hit with the suspension following the 1-0 defeat from Brondby after being sent to the stand during the first half.
More worrying than the suspension is the charge with Lennon accused of ‘acts of violence against the referee’.
That charge could be harmful for Lennon’s future career with the Hibs boss determined to get to the bottom of the matter.
“What is that?” he asked when questioned today about the ban. “I didn’t have any harsh words with the referee at all. The only person I was upset about was the linesman.
“I was incredulous he was sending me off for something I found so futile really. So I am surprised. I haven’t seen the reports yet but I will defend it.
“The term ‘act of violence towards the referee’ was just simply not there. So we put a submission in, it seems to have been ignored. So we will go there and appeal it as best we can. I don’t know know what the protocol is but I am going to appeal it vigorously.
“I knew about it a week ago before it became public and my reaction to it, as it is now, is that it’s pretty excessive to say the least.”
On Saturday Lennon will take Hibs to Falkirk for the opening Championship fixture of the season. Lennon has made an enquiry about taking Liam Henderson on loan to Easter Road but Celtic have still to decide on the midfielders future.
