Gary Caldwell has been left in no doubt about how his ‘brings it on himself’ comments have been received by Celtic supporters.
The Partick Thistle manager made the comment live on Radio Scotland shortly after the game had finished where he went some way towards justifying why a Hearts fan would throw a coin at Lennon.
While the former Celtic manager does get emotionally involved in games it never gets beyond a gesture such as cupping his hands to his ears, like all managers he likes to celebrate when his team scores a goal.
Gary, your comments were an utter disgrace. For someone who played with Neil Lennon, you know what he’s went through and to blame him for it shows a level of ignorance that is astounding. https://t.co/dphasXcCZn
— Paul Larkin (@paullarkin74) November 1, 2018
Nothing like a good bit of back tracking. We heard what you said loud and clear. Disgraceful comnent and Neil an ex team mate as well @PaulDykes
— St.Anthony (@Stephen4_2) November 1, 2018
I think you are going to have to do a full retraction and clarification on MSM sites.
Doesn’t help Lennon otherwise he did not deserve the assault or bring it on himself. He’s a pantomime villain at most at times, but a genuinely good guy always.
— JoeBloggsCity (@joebloggscity) November 1, 2018
Hope you enjoy your soup
— Steven mcginley (@stevenmcgin) November 1, 2018
Give up the backtracking, you said, more than once, that Neil Lennon brings it on himself. The mantra used in mitigation by every thug who has had a go at him over the years.
Trying to keep the Scottish sports media sweet for when you’ve inevitably get found out at Thistle..?
— Damien O’Kane (@Damo_) November 1, 2018
You’ve brought this backlash on yourself Gary.
— Tony Jabroni (@LordAlHayes) November 1, 2018
Picture the scene Gary. An Asian man is doing his work in front of people frothing at the mouth with anti-Asian invective, constant vile abuse. The one of them slips and falls over and the Asian man laughs before being coined by one of said people. Did he bring it on himself?
— Paul (@Migano2000) November 1, 2018
Don’t know what’s worse your original comment or this “I’ve now shat it and need to backtrack” comment. Makes it worse that you’re an ex teammate and trying to stick the boot into Lennon.
— Stephen Cleary (@stephencleary8) November 1, 2018
Think before you speak mate. You do realise those words enable folk to think its okay to throw stuff or punches at Neil because he “brings it on himself”.
You threw your ‘former teammate’ under a bus last night when he needed support the most.
— Patrick Joseph McHugh. (@Paddy_McHugh_67) November 1, 2018
The SPFL have already launched an enquiry into last night’s match but having allowed Sevco off the hook for numerous similar incidents any punishment is bound to be limited.
Both clubs have issued a joint statement but the cynical will interpret that as a damage limitation exercise ahead of any potential punishment.
The match ended as a 0-0 drawing leaving Hibs in joint fourth place while Hearts’ lead at the top of the SPFL table is cut down to four points ahead of Saturday’s visit to Celtic.
Steven MacLean will return from suspension for Hearts on Saturday.