Lennon spitting mad over Skacel

Hearts issued a statement insisting that Skacel strenuously denied the accusation, which stems from a clash between the two players in the 55th minute of Celtic's 3-0 defeat at Tynecastle on Sunday. Television pictures have proved inconclusive, with only one valid Setanta camera angle, but Lennon is adamant about Skacel's intent.

The 34-year-old was booked by Alan Freeland, the referee, for his reaction and was substituted shortly afterwards by Gordon Strachan to prevent the feud from boiling over.

In February, Skacel was accused of spitting at Stuart Duff, the Dundee United defender, and yesterday Lennon made plain his disgust at the alleged repeat.

"I am not in the business of making things up or trying to get people into trouble. But I know what happened and I'm adamant about that. I would not have reacted unless something did happen. The referee told me he did not see anything so I will leave it at that but it's important I set the record straight.

"He is a total disgrace and it's not the first time he has done this since he moved to Scotland. I've been involved in plenty of Old Firm games, heated matches, but never had to deal with anything like this. The guy is the lowest of the low."

Hearts, though, said that Skacel was outraged by the accusation.

"Rudi strenuously denies any of the reported allegations made by Neil Lennon," said a Hearts spokesperson. "The player is deeply offended and is furious at the associated implication of these remarks.

"Having played a key role in the comprehensive victory over Celtic, Rudi refuses to be distracted and is concentrating fully on the club's important game tomorrow night against Aberdeen." It remains to be seen if the Scottish Football Association will become involved in the dispute. Their Hampden offices were closed for the Bank Holiday yesterday but it may be difficult for them to intervene without television evidence.

Skacel had avoided a direct response when asked about the incident on Sunday, claiming Lennon's reaction may have been motivated by the wide margin of defeat.

"Maybe he was a bit angry as his team were 3-0 down; it was just one of those things," he added.

The Celtic player rejected that version of events. "That's funny, because the scoreline was still 2-0 at the time and that had nothing to do with what happened," said Lennon.

"I went in and won the ball. The pictures clearly show me moving up the park as Skacel is getting up from the ground and then I turn around and confront him after the spit has flown over my shoulder.

"That's the truth and if he says anything different then he is a liar. I don't mind going on record saying so, because I know what happened."

Shaun Maloney, meanwhile, yesterday reflected on the unprecedented honour of being named both player and young player of the year by the Scottish Professional Footballers' Association.

He identified John Hartson as one of the senior players who had helped his rise to prominence this season and expressed delight that the Welshman has committed himself to the club for next season.

Hartson had considered quitting Parkhead to be closer to his children in Wales but said at the weekend he was happy to remain at the club.

"It's a big boost because there was some uncertainty within himself," said Maloney. "I don't know his family situation but to have him back for next year is massive."

Discussions over a new contract for Maloney began earlier this year but have yet to reach a conclusion. His current deal expires next summer.

"If all the circumstances are right, I would love to sign," he said. "I've enjoyed it so much this year and I've got a lot of time for the fans and the management."

Taken from the Herald