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Celtic will investigate the protests outside Parkhead after revealing that some players were “shocked” after being hit by missiles from their own fans. Hundreds of people gathered to protest outside Celtic Park after a 2-0 League Cup loss to Ross County, the club’s first loss in a national cup in 36 games dating back to April 2016. Fans called for coach Neil Lennon’s departure and players were also abused. of some fans when they left in a convoy in their vehicles in the middle of a heavy police presence.
A Celtic statement read: “Everyone at the club is hugely disappointed by the result this afternoon, which has ended our phenomenal streak of 35 consecutive cup wins. “While we sincerely share the great disappointment of all Celtic fans, there can be no excuse for some of the violent scenes at Celtic Park tonight. The club will investigate these events thoroughly.
“For the players and a management team, who have given so much in the last few years and handed out 11 trophies in a row, requiring an escort from Celtic Park while they are hit with missiles is simply unacceptable.
“While we understand that only a small number of people were involved in this behavior, some of the actions tonight, which have obviously left our own players in shock, cannot be tolerated in any way.”
Lennon showed no signs of resigning after the loss and, when asked if he would understand if the Celtic board made the decision to fire him, he said: “No, I think it’s too early for that. We have lost a trophy that is gone. Our priority is the league, it always is, every time we enter a season.
He added: “There is a lot of time to turn it around. But it’s okay to say that, we have to show it with action now. I think I should spend more time, but if not, so be it. ”
Albian Ajeti and substitute Mohamed Elyounoussi missed big chances after Ross Stewart’s penalty in the 39th minute. But Celtic’s hopes were extinguished when Alex Iacovitti headed home from a corner in the 84th minute.
Lennon walked into his post-match press conference amid clearly audible protests and said: “Obviously, it doesn’t make me feel good. We are not in a good moment ”.
When asked what he would say to fans outside, Lennon said, “It doesn’t matter what I say or what kind of bravado I put on. It will not wash off. I have to turn the results around. I can only do that with players.
“We had a very good meeting on Saturday. He was powerful and a lot of good things came out of him. There was a good vibe and atmosphere going into the game, but we’re just not getting it.
“Do I see myself as the man to lead the team? Of course. I believe in myself. I am not always going to insist on what I have done in the past.
“We are in the present and I know the expectations of the fans and the board for the club. “I’m falling short at the time, me and my back room team.”
Lionel Messi paid a personal tribute to the late Diego Maradona after scoring when Barcelona enjoyed a resounding 4-0 home win over Osasuna.
Messi graced a brilliant team display with a strong shot in the top corner in the second half, after Martin Braithwaite broke the deadlock and Antoine Griezmann and Philippe Coutinho had scored on either side of the break.
The Argentine lifted his shirt to reveal a red and black replica of his hometown Newell’s Old Boys team with the number 10 that Maradona wore during his brief stint with the Rosario team in 1993.
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