PUNCH OF HYPOCRITES

Lennon comes out swinging at his critics

- MICHAEL GANNON

NEIL LENNON has lashed out at critics of Celtic’s controversial trip to Dubai – branding Holyrood chiefs and SFA beaks hypocrites with agendas.

The Hoops boss – who revealed a SECOND player from the ill-fated break has tested positive – reckons government officials and football authorities have a cheek putting the boot into the Parkhead club and firmly denied his men were out of line.

Lennon took aim in an explosive return from 10 days in isolation on the back of the Middle East jaunt that saw Christopher Jullien catch covid and 16 players and staff ordered to quarantine.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon (inset) joined the pile on after pictures emerged of the Celtic manager and Scott Brown sinking beers by the pool alongside others, while SFA chief Ian Maxwell revealed plans to investigate potential protocol breaches.

Hoops chief Peter Lawwell issued an apology after the outcry but the manager has come out swinging.