Rangers assistant manager Ally McCoist has condemned the intimidation campaign targeted on Neil Lennon.
The Celtic boss was sent another devise which police described as being designed to maim. As well as Lennon, Paul McBride QC and MSP Tricia Godman were also targeted in the latest wave of attacks.
Sunday’s Rangers-Celtic match will be the most closely scrutinised clash of the season between the two clubs with McCoist pleading for an end to the campaign of hate against Lennon.
“Like any other normal hum being I’m absolutely appauled by it,” the Rangers assistant said. “It’s bizarre and crazy that people can’t go about their normal working life without others sending these devices.
“I think that no matter what I say or do, or others say or do, I don’t think it would have a major effect on these people. To be quite frank they are sick individuals that require to be caught by the poilice.
“Obviuosly you’d appeal to them not to do these things but I think that these individuals are hellbent on causing trouble and widespread damage.
“When something like this happened it just hits home, it’s appauling and sandalous. The sad thing is that I don’t think these individuals will listen.”
McCoist and Lennon famously squared upto each other after Celtic’s 1-0 win over Rangers in the Scottish Cup but the Ibrox No. 2 was quick to dismiss notions that there was a grudge between the two men.
He added: “There is absolutely no way on this earth that we hate each other- far from it.
“We’ve seen each other socially as well as in a working situation. We have jobs to do, we have a conflict of interest but there always has been and always will be a healthy respect for each other.
“There has to be healthy respect for each other, not just between players and coaches but indeed fans as well.
“We always share a bottle of beer or a glass of wine after a game. There is absolutely no problem at all and I think that it’s sad if some people think that. I know that the vast majority of people know that is not the case.
“Whoever is involved in this is evil, it’s absolutely evil. It’s an evil act. I’m appauled and saddened that this has taken place in Scottish football.
“On the park we obviously have our differences, that’s the beauty of the game, you don’t agree with everything that is said and done but you hope that it’s conducted in the correct manner.”
Stewart Regan responds to attacks on Neil Lennon.
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