LENNON PULLS OUT AFTER DEATH THREAT
Neil Lennon has pulled out of Northern Ireland's friendly with Cyprus on police advice after receiving death threats from a loyalist paramilitary group.
The Celtic star was due to start his first match as captain of Sammy McIlroy's side, but is now on his way back to Scotland.
Last year, Lennon considered retiring from international football after being booed by a minority of fans against Norway at Windsor Park due to his association with Celtic.
Lennon said: "After close consultation with the footballing authorities and the police service of Northern Ireland I will not be participating in this evening's international game.
"I am very disappointed that my desire to play for my country, on my first opportunity to captain my team, has been taken away from me."
A Celtic spokesperson added: "We are very disappointed to learn of the circumstances of Neil's having to withdraw, particularly in his first game as captain of his country's team."
Irish Football Association general secretary David Bowen said: "I can confirm sadly that Neil has withdrawn for family reasons. Police informed Neil of a threat earlier today.
"The manager spoke to Neil and Neil spoke to his family and others and for family reasons he has told us that he has had to withdraw from tonight's game. It is a decision he has thought about. As a result of that, he has for family reasons decided not to play and we respect that decision."
This is the biggest load of Bullocks I've read in a long time!!!
I am sickened and disgusted by the actions of a certain minority in Northern Ireland!!! These animals will stoop as low as they feel neccessary... Protestant/Catholic it doesn't matter, how it is possible in these times for an international soccer player to be threatened (and possibly his family) if he represents his country???
What the hell does International Football have to do with politics??? This is religous propoganda!!! In all of my years I have never heard of or experienced such atrocity as this latest stunt by Loyalist Paramilitaries... sick, bloody sick...
No wonder Northern Ireland is such as joke and can't keep up with the Republic of Ireland!!! Politics and Religion are our worst enemy!!!
GuinnessguttedaboutLennon!!!
Neil Lennon has pulled out of Northern Ireland's friendly with Cyprus on police advice after receiving death threats from a loyalist paramilitary group.
The Celtic star was due to start his first match as captain of Sammy McIlroy's side, but is now on his way back to Scotland.
Last year, Lennon considered retiring from international football after being booed by a minority of fans against Norway at Windsor Park due to his association with Celtic.
Lennon said: "After close consultation with the footballing authorities and the police service of Northern Ireland I will not be participating in this evening's international game.
"I am very disappointed that my desire to play for my country, on my first opportunity to captain my team, has been taken away from me."
A Celtic spokesperson added: "We are very disappointed to learn of the circumstances of Neil's having to withdraw, particularly in his first game as captain of his country's team."
Irish Football Association general secretary David Bowen said: "I can confirm sadly that Neil has withdrawn for family reasons. Police informed Neil of a threat earlier today.
"The manager spoke to Neil and Neil spoke to his family and others and for family reasons he has told us that he has had to withdraw from tonight's game. It is a decision he has thought about. As a result of that, he has for family reasons decided not to play and we respect that decision."
This is the biggest load of Bullocks I've read in a long time!!!
I am sickened and disgusted by the actions of a certain minority in Northern Ireland!!! These animals will stoop as low as they feel neccessary... Protestant/Catholic it doesn't matter, how it is possible in these times for an international soccer player to be threatened (and possibly his family) if he represents his country???
What the hell does International Football have to do with politics??? This is religous propoganda!!! In all of my years I have never heard of or experienced such atrocity as this latest stunt by Loyalist Paramilitaries... sick, bloody sick...
No wonder Northern Ireland is such as joke and can't keep up with the Republic of Ireland!!! Politics and Religion are our worst enemy!!!
GuinnessguttedaboutLennon!!!