Dallas Hits Out At Lennon’s ‘Bullying’

By Inverness Reds News Staff
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Updated: April 16, 2012

Hugh Dallas has criticised Celtic boss Neil Lennon for his behaviour in the aftermath of his side’s Scottish Cup semi-final defeat to Hearts.

The manager ran onto the park at the full-time whistle in Sunday’s game, heading straight for referee Euan Norris to question his decision to award the Edinburgh club a late penalty.

Dallas, formerly Scotland’s head of referees before leaving his position following controversy over what was considered an offensive e-mail, believes Lennon’s behaviour does no favours for the reputation of the game.

“I can’t remember in 25 years of refereeing seeing a manager run that far onto a pitch to bully a referee,” Dallas told STV. “These pictures are going around the world and it is not good.”

Craig Beattie converted the spot kick, given after Victor Wanyama was deemed to have handled the ball in the penalty area.

Dallas, who is currently working with UEFA on refereeing matters, contrasted the reaction of the Celtic manager to that of his counterpart at Tottenham Hotspur, Harry Redknapp, whose team suffered from a controversial decision in their FA Cup semi-final defeat to Chelsea.

“Take another example yesterday in the Tottenham Hotspur game,” added Dallas. “It was a huge occasion and a goal was given where the ball didn’t cross the line.

“After the game, Harry Redknapp said he had chat with the referee, who admitted he made an honest mistake.

“Redknapp said he was disappointed but was keen to move on. That’s how we should do it in Scotland.”