Celtic manager Neil Lennon claims referee decisions were 'personal'

Neil Lennon confronts the referee (GETTY IMAGES)

Neil Lennon's relationship with the Scottish Football Association could be heading towards an irretrievable breakdown after he criticised referee Euan Norris for awarding the late penalty which led to the Hoops' 2-1 William Hill Scottish Cup semi-final defeat by Hearts yesterday and claimed: "It's personal."

The Parkhead boss marched onto the pitch to confront Norris after the Clydesdale Bank Premier League champions' hopes of a league and cup double were sunk from the spot by substitute Craig Beattie, after a penalty was given when a shot from Jambos skipper Marius Zaliukas hit the arm of Hoops midfielder Joe Ledley.

Lennon, who has three disciplinary cases pending, was further enraged when Norris refused Celtic a penalty in injury time when the ball appeared to come off the arm of Hearts defender Andy Webster.

The former Celtic skipper did not attend the post-match press conference, where his place taken by coach Alan Thompson who confirmed Lennon had been to the referee's room and it is likely that he will be asked to explain his actions.

The Northern Irishman will almost certainly be in more trouble after a comment made on his Twitter account.

Lennon tweeted: "Referee told players he thought (Victor) Wanyama handled...feel so sorry for players and fans..I think it's personal myself."

He left himself open to further and perhaps more serious sanctions when he later re-tweeted a comment from Celtic supporter @DazDiCanio which suggested the club "pack our bags and get out of this league that is run by crooked £SFA officials".

The game had looked to be heading to extra-time when Celtic striker Gary Hooper levelled Rudi Skacel's opener with four minutes remaining.

However, Beattie's winner against his former club ensured Hearts will play Hibernian in the final of the Scottish Cup for the first time since 1896, with the Leith side looking to win the trophy for the first time since 1902.

However, much of the post-match focus today will centre on the Celtic manager.

Lennon was written to by SFA compliance officer Vincent Lunny demanding an explanation for his comments about referees ahead of an SPL game against St Johnstone at Celtic Park at the start of the month.

The Parkhead boss is fighting two other charges relating to criticism of referee Willie Collum after the Scottish Communities League Cup final defeat to Kilmarnock and his half-time dismissal by referee Calum Murray during the recent 3-2 SPL defeat at Ibrox.

PA