Football: Celtic could sue MacLeod

CELTIC are considering suing their former assistant coach, Murdo MacLeod, because of comments attributed to him in a newspaper yesterday.

Under a headline, "Jock tried to pick team," the former Scotland midfielder criticiseded those running the club, especially the general manager, Jock Brown.

MacLeod's attack infuriated Celtic. The club issued a statement last night saying they would be investing taking legal action against MacLeod for breaching his contract and "issuing false and damaging information about the club and individual employees of the club."

The statement went on: "This action is overdue with various individuals selling their bitter agenda with lies and misinformation. It is important for the supporters' benefit and in the interests of truth that this action is taken."

MacLeod, the former Partick Thistle and Dumbarton manager, was dismissed last week, following the departure of former Wim Jansen as head coach. He was dismissed, reportedly, for being too loyal to Jansen.

MacLeod, who is in France as part of Scotland's World Cup coaching staff, claimed Brown's attitude had created a damaging atmosphere of mistrust between the players and management at Parkhead.