2011-05-11: Hearts 0-3 Celtic, SPL

Match Pictures | Matches: 20102011 | 2010-2011 Pictures

Trivia

  • Rangers remain 1pt in front, one game to go and likely Huns will win the league.
  • Hearts fan ran onto the pitch and attacked Neil Lennon! Stopped by police and Alan Thomson before much damage done….

Review

A cracking match to report on, but all the action is off the pitch.
– on Sunday past, a group of neds (5 girls plus 2 boys) arrested for drapping union flags outside Lennoxtown and trying to take snaps of themselves with a gun (not know if real or replica).
– Lennon attacked during the match by Hearts fan
– Lennon sent a bomb again in the post!
– Lennon sent another bullet in the post.
– Raid made in Ayr on homes suspected of people who sent bombs to Lennon, two arrested.

Absolute disgrace what is happening.

See: http://www.thecelticwiki.com/page/Controversies+-+Improvised+Explosive+Devices+sent+to+manager+Neil+Lennon+%282011%29

Teams

Hearts

  • 25 Kello
  • 13 Obua; red card
  • 17 McGowan; yellow card
  • 21 Ismael Bouzid
  • 24 Thomson; yellow card
  • 26 Zaliukas
  • 04 Jonsson
  • 08 Black; yellow card
  • 16 Stevenson (Barr 77)
  • 19 Skacel (Glen 77)
  • 10 Elliott (Driver 64)

Substitutes

  • 30 MacDonald,
  • 05 Barr,
  • 11 Driver,
  • 31 Mrowiec,
  • 34 Stewart,
  • 23 Glen,
  • 27 Robinson

Celtic

  • 26 Forster
  • 03 Izaguirre (Maloney 77)
  • 05 Majstorovic
  • 12 Wilson (Cha Du-Ri 84)
  • 21 Mulgrew
  • 22 Loovens
  • 08 Brown
  • 18 Ki Sung-Yeung; yellow card
  • 09 Samaras (Murphy 85)
  • 15 Commons; yellow card,; red card
  • 88 Hooper

Substitutes

  • 24 Zaluska,
  • 11 Cha Du-Ri ,
  • 25 Rogne,
  • 10 Stokes,
  • 13 Maloney,
  • 27 Murphy,
  • 49 Forrest

Goals

  • Hooper 12
  • Hooper 49
  • Commons 78
Ref: Craig Thomson
Att: 16,681

Articles

  • Match Report (see end of page below)

Pictures

Forums

MOTM

Stats

Possession

  • Hearts 34%
  • Celtic 66%

Attempts on target

  • Hearts 2
  • Celtic 9

Attempts off target

  • Hearts 2
  • Celtic 4

Corners

  • Hearts 3
  • Celtic 5

Fouls

  • Hearts 19
  • Celtic 14

Articles

Hearts 0-3 Celtic: Jambos crumble

2011-05-11: Hearts 0-3 Celtic, SPL - The Celtic Wiki
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Scotsman newspaper

Published Date: 12 May 2011
A NIGHT when Scottish football plumbed to unprecedented depths of despair.

Neil Lennon attacked by a so-called fan while inside his technical area, Celtic supporters battling police and stewards while pretending to be Irish republicans, and two sending offs that verged on the farcical. One of the most controversial seasons ever is drawing to a close, however one last round of chaos at Tynecastle just about topped it all.

After refereeing cover-ups, conspiracy theories and parliamentary summits to discuss Old Firm matches, season 2010/11 added another chapter to its book of infamy last night. In the 49th minute of play, Celtic's celebrations following Gary Hooper's second goal were cut short. A man leapt from Tynecastle's main stand to sprint down the track and assault Lennon. The surprised Celtic manager barely had time to react before stewards pounced on his assailant, but that did not stop Lennon swinging his boot at the flattened thug several times. In fact, twice he mistakenly connected with one of the grounded stewards as his rage took over.

Few could blame him given the letter bombs, death threats, 24-hour security and everything else he has tolerated of late. No-one should be subjected to physical abuse for simply doing their job, especially when that job is managing a football team. Where was his protection? Lennon hurled a few expletives at his attacker as he was marched down the tunnel by police and the Irishman was later described as "shaken but fine" by his assistant, Johann Mjallby.

Hearts may now be punished. It might only have been one brainless buffoon but that he emerged from a section of home supporters to attack Lennon leaves the Edinburgh club open to possible sanctions from the Scottish Football Association.

Perhaps there should also be action taken against Celtic for the equally unacceptable conduct of their supporters in the Roseburn Stand. Groups of them fought with police and stewards in the aftermath of the attack on their manager, accompanied by deafening chants of "we are the IRA". Feet and punches were swung at the local constabulary as things threatened to get completely out of control in the away end.

On the field it was actually quite the opposite. Celtic were in total command of a match they had to win to keep their SPL title hopes alive. David Obua, Hearts' Ugandan midfielder, was red carded on 32 minutes for an innocuous slap at Charlie Mulgrew.

By then Celtic were already 1-0 ahead after Kris Commons had dispossessed the dithering Marius Zaliukas to tee up Hooper for a 12th-minute opener.

Hooper struck the second to unwittingly spark mayhem shortly after the interval, then late in the game Commons earned two cautions for diving and leaving the field of play respectively, the second in celebration after he converted Celtic's third.

The visitors dominated Hearts virtually from start to finish but their performance was overshadowed by events shortly after half-time. "How the lad ever got through there needs to be looked at, we don't condone it in any way," said Jim Jefferies, the Hearts manager. "Thankfully nobody, particularly Neil, was hurt. The club will help the police and authorities to make sure that never happens again and that the right course of action is taken against the person who got free. It's just nonsense.

"I never had a bad feeling before the game. I thought it would be a great atmosphere but it was a different type of atmosphere for some reason. Whether it was because we got beat at Rangers on Saturday, and a week ago Celtic were in front and then handed the initiative back to Rangers, these things boil up. They have a chance to win the league on the last day now but I don't know if there was something last night that was going to boil over."

Mjallby echoed Jefferies' sentiments. "What happened to Neil, it's a dark day for Scottish football. It's an absolute disgrace," he said. "I've never seen anything like it. Obviously he (Lennon) is a bit shaken. I saw someone coming and obviously we didn't react at first but we were obviously a bit shocked, all of us."

Mjalby admitted the incident could prompt Lennon to question his future as manager of Celtic. He added: "Of course Neil has had the death threat and obviously what can you do? The guy could've had anything in his hand. It was shocking. We all know Neil is a strong character but how much can a guy take?"

Hearts will appeal the red card issued to Obua after referee Craig Thomson acted on the advice of his assistant referee, Keith Sorbie. Jefferies said Thomson told him Obua was dismissed for swinging a punch at Mulgrew and stressed the sense of injustice did not help the simmering atmosphere. "I felt there was a bit of hostility in the atmosphere but I've got to say I don't think the linesman did the referee any favours.

"You always felt it was simmering but I think that incident sparked it off a little bit more. I asked Craig what Obua was sent off for and he said it was a punch. I was within inches of them and Charlie had a wee pop at him (Obua) verbally and it was nothing. David brushed him aside. There was no way that was a punch. To get sent off for that was a terrible decision."

Hearts had started in buoyant mood since Dundee United's defeat at Ibrox 24 hours previously confirmed the Edinburgh club's place in Europe for next season.
But little more than half an hour in they were 1-0 down after another aberration from their captain, who was caught in possession midway inside his own half. Obua's sending off for raising a hand to push Mulgrew in the back of the head made for an insurmountable hurdle.

Hooper collected Ki Sung-Yeung's pass to poke the second beyond Kello, and Commons executed an expert jink on Zaliukas to skin the Lithuanian and drive home the third. The Scotland internationalist had been cautioned for diving just moments before, and when he set off to celebrate with Celtic supporters he earned a second yellow to add to compound a night of nonsense in Gorgie.

Hearts 0-3 Celtic

By Clive Lindsay
BBC Scotland

Celtic ensured the Scottish title race will go to the final day with a win over Hearts overshadowed by an attack by a fan on visiting boss Neil Lennon.

Gary Hooper had just slotted in his second goal of the night when a man emerged from the Tynecastle stand to aim a punch at Lennon.

Hooper struck after 12 minutes before David Obua was sent off and added his second four minutes after the break.

Kris Commons was sent off after celebrating a fine 78th-minute finish.

And the win means Celtic are a point behind leaders and holders Rangers ahead of Sunday's final round of games.
Celtic had gone into what was always going to be a potentially fiery encounter knowing that a defeat would hand the title to their Glasgow rivals.

Lennon sprang a surprise in central defence, restoring Glenn Loovens in place of Thomas Rogne, with Charlie Mulgrew moving up into midfield in place of James Forrest as the Celtic manager perhaps anticipated a bit of a battle.

The pre-match build-up had been given added spice by hints from Lennon that teams, including Hearts, had been less than competitive against title rivals Rangers in recent weeks.

Although Lennon denied he had suggested that Hearts had not been trying, it was predicted that the remarks would provide extra motivation for Jim Jefferies, his side and their fans.

However, with Dundee United's defeat by Rangers ensuring that Hearts will finish third, three points meant less for the Tynecastle men and it was Celtic who were first to every ball from kick off.
Daniel Majstorovic, Hooper and Georgios Samaras, who had started ahead of Daryl Murphy up front, all threatened as the ball bounced dangerously around the home penalty box.

Hearts captain Marius Zaliukas was back in central defence, along with Ismael Bouzid, after being left out against Rangers following instructions from Hearts majority shareholder Vladimir Romanov.

The return of their first-choice central defensive pairing should have strengthened the home side, but it was a mistake by the Lithuanian international that handed Celtic the lead.

Zaliukas was dispossessed by Kris Commons as he looked to spray the ball upfield and the Scotland winger fed it perfectly into the path of Hooper for a simple, low finish past Marian Kello.

The inclusion of the goalkeeper, who had also been left out recently for mysterious "personal reasons", and striker Stephen Elliot had Hearts close to full strength.

Celtic, though, were making them look like a side that had not won a league match since 19 February and Commons twice in quick succession came close to extending the lead.

The winger's 18-yard drive was pushed superbly on to a post by Kello and, when the ball was turned back into the six-yard box by Mark Wilson, it deflected off the former Derby man's shin and flew a foot wide of the unguarded net.

Ian Black had been lucky to escape a red card for an earlier two-footed challenge on Samaras, but team-mate Obua could perhaps count himself unfortunate to be given his marching orders.

Mulgrew had stuck his elbow forceably into the Uganda utility man's chest and, although the Hearts player barely brushed his opponents' hairline with a flailing arm, the assistant referee ruled that he had lifted his hand in retaliation.

Celtic virtually ended the game as a contest in the opening minutes of the second half.

Ki Sung-Yeung wriggled his way to the edge of the box and set up Hooper for a clinical, low finish with the outside of his foot.

As the Celtic fans celebrated, one man advanced from the stands and appeared to aim a punch at Lennon before being hauled away by security.

The Celtic manager looked stunned before a smile eventually returned to his face as Commons fired a powerful 25-yard drive just wide.

Commons had another drive beaten away by Kello before Bouzid provided Hearts' first threat with a backward header that looped just wide after 62 minutes.

The match finished in further controversy when Commons found the net with a long-range effort before being sent off after picking up a second yellow card for rushing into the crowd to celebrate.

Story from BBC SPORT:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/sport1/hi/football/scot_prem/9480348.stm

Published: 2011/05/11 20:40:53 GMT

© BBC 2011

  • Final Result
  • Full Time
  • 90:00+2:07 The referee signals the end of the game.
  • 89:17 Ryan McGowan is flagged offside by the assistant referee. Fraser Forster takes the indirect free kick.
  • 88:21 The referee blows for offside. Free kick taken by Marius Zaliukas.
  • 87:22 Unfair challenge on Daniel Majstorovic by Gary Glen results in a free kick. Daniel Majstorovic takes the direct free kick.
  • 86:56 Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Daniel Majstorovic by Eggert Jonsson. Direct free kick taken by Fraser Forster.
  • 85:23 The ball is swung over by Du-Ri Cha.
  • 84:14 Substitution (Celtic) makes a substitution, with Daryl Murphy coming on for Georgios Samaras.
  • 83:48 Ian Black challenges Gary Hooper unfairly and gives away a free kick. Scott Brown takes the direct free kick.
  • 83:09 Substitution Mark Wilson goes off and Du-Ri Cha comes on.
  • 80:24 Free kick awarded for a foul by Craig Thomson on Gary Hooper. Free kick taken by Mark Wilson.
  • 77:57 Sent off Kris Commons sent from the field by the ref for second bookable offence.
  • 77:46 GOAL – Kris CommonsHearts 0 – 3 Celtic A goal is scored by Kris Commons from close in to the bottom left corner of the goal. Hearts 0-3 Celtic.
  • 75:51 Marian Kello takes the free kick.
  • 75:51 Substitution Shaun Maloney comes on in place of Emilio Izaguirre.
  • 75:51 Substitution Darren Barr joins the action as a substitute, replacing Ryan Stevenson.
  • 75:51 Substitution Rudi Skacel goes off and Gary Glen comes on.
  • 75:51 Booking Kris Commons booked for unsporting behaviour.
  • 74:57 Gary Hooper takes a shot. Save by Marian Kello.
  • 70:52 Free kick crossed left-footed by Charlie Mulgrew from left channel, Marius Zaliukas manages to make a clearance.
  • 70:52 Booking Ryan McGowan is booked.
  • 70:43 Foul by Ryan McGowan on Emilio Izaguirre, free kick awarded.
  • 69:14 Free kick awarded for a foul by Ryan McGowan on Emilio Izaguirre. Charlie Mulgrew restarts play with the free kick.
  • 68:05 Emilio Izaguirre produces a cross.
  • 67:18 Ismael Bouzid concedes a free kick for a foul on Gary Hooper. Direct free kick taken by Daniel Majstorovic.
  • 64:50 Shot by Kris Commons. Blocked by Scott Brown.
  • 63:58 Substitution Andrew Driver on for Stephen Elliott.
  • 62:17 Stephen Elliott produces a right-footed shot from just outside the penalty box that goes wide left of the target.
  • 61:02 Glenn Loovens challenges Ryan Stevenson unfairly and gives away a free kick. Free kick crossed right-footed by Ian Black, clearance made by Daniel Majstorovic. Corner from the right by-line taken by Rudi Skacel, Charlie Mulgrew manages to make a clearance.
  • 59:10 Foul by Eggert Jonsson on Emilio Izaguirre, free kick awarded. Direct free kick taken by Charlie Mulgrew. Kris Commons takes a shot. Save by Marian Kello.
  • 58:11 Stephen Elliott has an effort at goal from deep inside the area missing to the right of the target.
  • 54:08 Kris Commons produces a left-footed shot from long distance which goes wide right of the goal.
  • 53:41 Sung-Yeung Ki fouled by Ian Black, the ref awards a free kick. Direct free kick taken by Sung-Yeung Ki.
  • 52:47 Unfair challenge on Ryan Stevenson by Daniel Majstorovic results in a free kick. Ian Black delivers the ball from the free kick right-footed from right wing, Glenn Loovens manages to make a clearance. Corner from the left by-line taken by Craig Thomson, clearance made by Glenn Loovens.
  • 52:12 The ball is sent over by Georgios Samaras.
  • 48:36 The assist for the goal came from Sung-Yeung Ki.
  • 48:36 GOAL – Gary HooperHearts 0 – 2 Celtic Gary Hooper finds the back of the net with a goal from inside the penalty box to the bottom right corner of the goal. Hearts 0-2 Celtic.
  • 47:15 Ismael Bouzid takes the direct free kick.
  • 47:15 Booking Sung-Yeung Ki goes into the book.
  • 47:08 Free kick awarded for a foul by Sung-Yeung Ki on Ian Black.
  • 46:15 Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Ryan Stevenson by Daniel Majstorovic. Shot comes in from Rudi Skacel from the free kick, save by Fraser Forster.
  • 45:30 Ryan Stevenson fouled by Emilio Izaguirre, the ref awards a free kick. Free kick crossed right-footed by Craig Thomson, save made by Fraser Forster.
  • 45:01 The referee starts the second half.
  • Half Time
  • 45:00+0:06 The ref blows to signal half-time.
  • 44:16 Unfair challenge on Mark Wilson by Ryan Stevenson results in a free kick. Free kick taken by Glenn Loovens.
  • 40:31 Daniel Majstorovic restarts play with the free kick.
  • 40:31 Booking Craig Thomson is cautioned.
  • 40:16 Craig Thomson gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Gary Hooper.
  • 38:12 Unfair challenge on Marius Zaliukas by Georgios Samaras results in a free kick. Craig Thomson takes the free kick.
  • 36:36 Craig Thomson gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Kris Commons. The ball is swung over by Charlie Mulgrew, Daniel Majstorovic takes a shot. Marius Zaliukas gets a block in. Outswinging corner taken from the right by-line by Sung-Yeung Ki, save by Marian Kello.
  • 35:54 The assistant referee signals for offside against Ryan Stevenson. Daniel Majstorovic takes the indirect free kick.
  • 34:39 Foul by Marius Zaliukas on Gary Hooper, free kick awarded. Scott Brown takes the free kick.
  • 31:42 Sent off David Obua is sent off by the referee for violent conduct.
  • 28:55 Ian Black fouled by Georgios Samaras, the ref awards a free kick. Ismael Bouzid restarts play with the free kick.
  • 26:53 Unfair challenge on Ian Black by Scott Brown results in a free kick. Free kick crossed by Craig Thomson.
  • 25:15 Inswinging corner taken right-footed by Craig Thomson from the right by-line, Ryan Stevenson takes a shot. Blocked by Emilio Izaguirre.
  • 25:00 Unfair challenge on David Obua by Charlie Mulgrew results in a free kick. Ian Black takes the direct free kick.
  • 24:05 Kris Commons takes a shot. Save by Marian Kello. Close range effort by Kris Commons goes wide of the left-hand upright.
  • Correction – 21:59 Ian Black challenges Gary Hooper unfairly and gives away a free kick. Kris Commons delivers the ball from the free kick left-footed from left wing.
  • 21:59 Gary Hooper fouled by Ian Black, the ref awards a free kick. Kris Commons restarts play with the free kick.
  • 20:41 Georgios Samaras concedes a free kick for a foul on Ian Black. Marian Kello restarts play with the free kick.
  • 20:06 Daniel Majstorovic restarts play with the free kick.
  • 20:06 Booking Ian Black is booked.
  • 19:57 Ian Black gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Georgios Samaras.
  • 19:24 Foul by Ryan McGowan on Scott Brown, free kick awarded. Scott Brown takes the direct free kick.
  • 18:55 Unfair challenge on Sung-Yeung Ki by Ian Black results in a free kick. Free kick taken by Daniel Majstorovic.
  • 15:23 Ian Black fouled by Kris Commons, the ref awards a free kick. Direct free kick taken by Marius Zaliukas.
  • 13:56 Handball decision goes against Gary Hooper. Direct free kick taken by Ismael Bouzid.
  • 12:16 The ball is delivered by Georgios Samaras, blocked by Marius Zaliukas. Corner taken by Sung-Yeung Ki from the right by-line, clearance by David Obua. Corner taken by Kris Commons from the left by-line, Daniel Majstorovic has a headed effort from close in and clears the bar.
  • 11:21 The assist for the goal came from Kris Commons.
  • 11:21 GOAL – Gary HooperHearts 0 – 1 Celtic Goal scored by Gary Hooper from inside the box to the bottom right corner of the goal. Hearts 0-1 Celtic.
  • 10:10 Kris Commons has an effort at goal from outside the penalty box which goes wide left of the goal.
  • 7:50 Unfair challenge on David Obua by Scott Brown results in a free kick. Marius Zaliukas takes the direct free kick.
  • 7:07 Gary Hooper challenges Marius Zaliukas unfairly and gives away a free kick. Ismael Bouzid restarts play with the free kick.
  • 4:59 Unfair challenge on Scott Brown by Craig Thomson results in a free kick. Sung-Yeung Ki takes the free kick.
  • 4:43 Georgios Samaras takes a shot. Marius Zaliukas gets a block in.
  • 2:11 Corner taken by Sung-Yeung Ki from the right by-line, clearance by Ismael Bouzid. Corner from the right by-line taken by Sung-Yeung Ki, Ismael Bouzid makes a clearance.
  • 1:52 Unfair challenge on Emilio Izaguirre by Ryan McGowan results in a free kick. Direct free kick taken by Sung-Yeung Ki.
  • 0:27 Sung-Yeung Ki concedes a free kick for a foul on Ryan McGowan. Direct free kick taken by Marius Zaliukas.
  • 0:00 The referee starts the match.

Official

Celtic Football Club Statement

By: Newsroom Staff on 12 May, 2011 14:59 FOLLOWING the events during the game against Hearts at Tynecastle on Wednesday night, Celtic Chief Executive Peter Lawwell has made the following statement.

“Last night’s appalling attack on Neil Lennon brings shame on Scottish football and again highlights the fact that Scottish society must address fundamental and serious issues which lead to outrages of this kind.

"Apart from last night’s events, this week alone we have seen seven people arrested at our Training Ground following an alleged firearms incident and I can also confirm that this morning (Thursday) another package arrived at Celtic Park which appears to contain ammunition.This has been removed and taken by Police for further forensic tests.We are the only Club to be the subject of such vile, sustained and relentless attacks.

"It is intolerable that any football club, or individual, going about their lawful business in the name of sport should be subjected to this ongoing campaign of hatred and intimidation. This is Scotland’s shame and it is high time Scotland addressed it.

"Since moving here a decade ago, Neil Lennon has had to endure prejudice and violence both as a player and manager, having suffered no such problems elsewhere.In doing so, he has displayed a strength of character and resilience which deserve respect from all who oppose the campaign of intimidation against him.

"He is a man who is proud to be the Celtic manager and is someone who simply wants to be able to carry out his role in the same way as every other football manager can. Clearly, Neil will continue to receive every support and protection from Celtic Football Club.

"We are deeply appreciative of the intensive police efforts to address the criminal offences that have come to light.All right-minded people will surely condemn these actions but, as a society, we must also address the underlying factors that lead to such behaviour."

Two held in Lennon mail bombs probe Wednesday, 11 May 2011

Two men have been arrested in connection with an investigation into parcel bombs sent to Celtic manager Neil Lennon and to two high-profile supporters of the club.The men, aged 41 and 43, were detained after officers raided a number of properties in Kilwinning, Ayrshire. Police later said they had been arrested and detained in police custody under the Explosives Substances Act (1883).

It came as a man appeared in court charged with assault after an attack on Lennon at Tynecastle stadium at the Celtic v Hearts game on Wednesday night.

Police were also called to Celtic stadium in Glasgow after a suspect package believed to have contained a bullet and addressed to Lennon was found.

Police launched a major investigation after two bombs were sent to Lennon and one each to lawyer Paul McBride QC and former MSP Trish Godman. A fifth suspect package, addressed to the offices of Cairde Na H'Eireann (Friends of Ireland) in Glasgow, was also intercepted by officers last month.

The two men arrested are expected to appear at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court on Friday.

Football chiefs said the recent incidents had brought shame on Scottish football. Officers arrested a man on Wednesday night after he clambered from the Hearts section of the main stand on to the pitch during a match at Tynecastle stadium in Edinburgh and made towards Lennon.

The manager, who has had to live with round-the-clock security after death threats in the past, was said to have been left "shaken" by the incident.

John Wilson, 26, from Edinburgh, has been charged with breach of the peace aggravated by religious prejudice and assault aggravated by religious prejudice.

He appeared at a private hearing at Edinburgh Sheriff Court. No plea or declaration was made during the hearing and he was remanded in custody.

Gun drama at Celtic training complex

Evening Times

A firearm alert was sparked at Celtic’s training ground in Lennoxtown

Caroline Wilson
Share

10 May 2011

Seven people have been arrested following a gun alert at Celtic’s Lennoxtown training ground.

Armed police swooped on the multi-million pound complex after it was alleged someone had been spotted with a weapon.

A police helicopter was also brought in to sweep the area.

Five women and two men, one aged 17, were later held outside the centre in East Dunbartonshire, which is used by Celtic players and staff including manager Neil Lennon who has been the target of recent parcel bombs.

The seven arrested were appearing at Glasgow Sheriff Court today in connection with the incident, which happened around 8.30pm on Sunday.

A police spokeswoman said: “Five women, one aged 19 and four, aged 21, along with two men aged 19 and 17, were arrested and are being detained in police custody in connection with an alleged firearms offence.”

Celtic boss Lennon was the target of a parcel bomb sent to Lennoxtown last month.

Ten parcels intended for Celtic-related targets have now been intercepted including six hoaxes.

The latest bomb, found at a Royal Mail centre in Belfast, was posted in Scotland and addressed to Irish republican group Friends of Ireland in Glasgow.

A Celtic spokesman said: “The matter is in the hands of the police.”

The Chief Executive of Celtic Football Club says the touchline attack on manager Neil Lennon shames Scottish society, as it is confirmed a package containing a bullet was also sent to the manager.

Package containing bullet sent to Celtic boss Lennon

Thursday 12 May 2011
Channel 4

The Chief Executive of Celtic Football Club says the touchline attack on manager Neil Lennon shames Scottish society, as it is confirmed a package containing a bullet was also sent to the manager.

Celtic Chief Executive Peter Lawwell made the strongly-worded statement as police were investigating a package containing a bullet that is believed to have been sent to Mr Lennon.
On Wednesday night Mr Lennon was attacked by a man who clambered onto the pitch during Celtic's 3-0 win against Hearts. The man was quickly grappled to the ground by Lennon's assistant and immediately arrested by Lothian and Borders Police.

A 26-year-old, John Wilson from Edinburgh, has been charged with breach of the peace and assault aggravated by religious prejudice.

Northern Irish Catholic Lennon has had death threats in the past and in recent weeks was sent two parcel bombs, as were other high-profile Celtic supporters.
In Ayrshire, police have set up cordons near a number of properties, according to one press report.

'Appalling attack'

In his statement about the attack on Lennon, Peter Lawwell said: "Last night's appalling attack on Neil Lennon brings shame on Scottish football and again highlights the fact that Scottish society must address fundamental and serious issues which lead to outrages of this kind.

"Apart from last night's events, this week alone we have seen seven people arrested at our training ground following an alleged firearms incident and I can also confirm that this morning (Thursday) another package arrived at Celtic Park which appears to contain ammunition. This has been removed and taken by police for further forensic tests. We are the only club to be the subject of such vile, sustained and relentless attacks.

This is Scotland's shame and it is high time Scotland addressed it. Celtic Chief Executive Lawwell

"It is intolerable that any football club, or individual, going about their lawful business in the name of sport should be subjected to this ongoing campaign of hatred and intimidation. This is Scotland's shame and it is high time Scotland addressed it."

Scottish Football Association Chief Executive Stewart Regan, SPL Chief Executive Neil Doncaster and Scotland's First Minister Alex Salmond all condemned the incident.

'Arrests made' over parcel bombs

In a separate police operation launched on Thursday morning in Kilwinning, Ayrshire, two arrests were made in connection with the investigation into the parcel bombs sent to Mr Lennon in recent weeks.

Two parcel bombs were sent to Lennon and one each to lawyer Paul McBride QC and former MSP Trish Godman.

Last month Strathclyde Police said the two packages sent to Lennon, and the two others were "designed to cause real harm to the person who opened them".

A fifth suspect package, addressed to the offices of Cairde Na H'Eireann (Friends of Ireland) in Glasgow, was also intercepted by officers last month.

In March, Mr Salmond called an "Old Firm summit" after violence on and off the field in the a Rangers-Celtic clash threatened the entire future of the fixture.

Interviewed on Channel 4 News, Mr Salmond said that anyone engaging in sectarian displays would "be met with the full force of the law" and "no-one should be under any illusions that anyone who peddles sectarian hate over the internet will be tracked down and dealt with."

The people of Scotland were fed up with such activities, he added. "And the overwhelming bulk of football fans in Scotland are fed up with these people attaching themselves to the beautiful game. So they are going to be dealt with and that is going to happen."