Neil Lennon and Ally McCoist discuss who was at fault for the historic Glasgow Derby altercation.
Neil Lennon’s passion on the field and in the dugout was one of the things that the Celtic supporters cherished about him, both during his playing and management careers.
We all recall Lennon’s statement that he intended to “bring back the thunder” when he succeeded Tony Mowbray in 2010. The Celtic star played and managed with his heart on his sleeve.
And he really did just that. After losing the league championship by a slender margin, Leonard won the Scottish Cup in his first season as Celtic’s manager.
And the next season’s Glasgow Derbies proved to be pivotal as he sought to right that.
Who was actually at fault for the crisis at Lennon/McCoist Celtic Park?
Everyone recalls the game. Prior to the Parkhead December derby, Celtic had suffered a 4-2 defeat at Ibrox against Ally McCoist’s Rangers in September.
After that outcome put the Hoops four points behind, they were only separated by one point when they faced at Celtic Park in December.
Joe Ledley’s goal put Celtic on top of the table, and the pyrotechnics that followed as Lennon and McCoist sparred started at full time. Celtic won 1-0.
Additionally, both discussed this morning on talkSPORT who was actually at fault for a fight that garnered national attention and prompted the Scottish Government to step in.
McCoist: “Just to add a little aside, I paid for the beers.” How do you feel?
Lennon: “You’re asking the wrong man; Browny was too busy trying to get a better look at El Hadj Diouf all night long while those two were going at it head-to-head!”
Image courtesy of Jeff J. Mitchell/Getty Images
McCoist: “You’re not incorrect, by the way! He was the one who initiated it, and as a result, the Government got into a fight with me and you over us!
“You and I ended up taking the blame for it all,” said Lennon.
After winning the league that season, Celtic ignited a run that would bring the team a second nine-game winning streak and serve as the foundation for the illustrious and record-breaking Quadruple Treble.
Lennon went on to have two prosperous runs with the club, winning numerous awards and leaving his stamp on Europe, while McCoist’s problems at Rangers were widely reported throughout same time.
