As decision after decision went against Celtic last season Mowbray stood detached on the sidelines afraid to speak up about decisions that contributed towards his gardening leave.
Lennon has spoken clearly and calmly about decisions that have gone against Celtic in two matches and isn’t apologising for doing so.
He knows better than anyone the shortcomings of his squad but isn’t prepared to take decisions on the chin that could see him lose his job.
When Sir Alex Ferguson or Jose Mourinho call for a referee to be strong they are acknowledged for their mind games. Every manager, including Lennon, is entitled to expect strong refereeing with Willie Collum falling well short in the Celtic Rangers game.
Why an inexperienced 31-year-old is given a Celtic-Rangers game is another matter but Lennon has stood his ground and defended his right to ask for clarification on certain decisions.
If a manager writing a letter to the SFA causes distress to an official he’s clearly in the wrong business, Lennon’s after match comments have hardly been scathing or personal.
“I have been pretty supportive of referees and had a good relationship with them,” the Celtic boss explained.
“But when there are decisions like that I have to answer questions as honestly as I can and if that’s a criticism of the refs then so be it.
“I don’t have anything against the referees personally or professionally.
“I’m not the first manager to complain about decisions so I don’t know why it’s being exaggerated so much. Maybe it’s because the Old Firm game is so high profile.”
Regan’s time-bomb/Craven’s blockbuster
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I have contacted Mr Lawwell on several occasion about Celtic fc talking to or entertaining the daily rags. Because they’re certainly not or our side. Ban the press from Parkhead.
My biggest problem with BTM was his attitude of acceptance of bad decisions the more you let them away with the more they’ll cheat.