Neil Lennon slams Hibs for “shocking” tackling on his players

Celtic manager claims his team will be “competitive” when the teams next meet again.

The Hoops manager was furious about what he saw as the Edinburgh side’s confrontational approach throughout yesterday’s match, confirming that Kris Commons is now likely to miss Tuesday’s Champions League clash with Ajax due to a hamstring strain.

Lennon said: “It was shocking absolutely shocking reckless. I am all for competitive football, no-one was more competitive than myself as a player.

“But those tackles were borderline and I made my feelings pretty clear to the fourth official.

“I don’t think any one player was targeted, I think it was across the board with Vine’s tackle on Darnell Fisher right at the end rugby-esque. We have got a big Champions League tie coming up. I am not asking any favours, I don’t mind teams being competitive, but I felt the physicality of the game was over the top. I don’t mind. We play Hibs again and we will be competitive. It was annoying not to have won the game but the unbeaten run continues.”

Hibs manager Pat Fenlon, refused to apologise for his team’s approach. He said: “He has got some complaints? Good. That means the message is getting across to my players that we want to compete and be in people’s faces.

“He is entitled to his opinion, like us all. I think most of the tackles were fair and I am delighted with my team. We have made sure Celtic know they have been in a game and that was what it was about for us.”

The next meeting of the clubs will take place at Celtic Park on Saturday, December 14 but of more immediate concern to Celtic fans will be the news Commons is almost certainly out of the Ajax match.

Lennon added: “Kris knew straight away.We don’t think it is a tear but if it is a strain that is a couple of weeks at least.

“It is a huge blow in terms of Ajax. He has been fantastic this season.He is at the top of his game and has been in great physical condition.”

Lennon was hopeful Mikael Lustig will be fit from his hip problem, and that virus victim Emilio Izaguirre will recover.