Celtic manager Neil Lennon thanks fans for support after Aberdeen fans throw missiles at him during League Cup semi-final

Celtic fans paid tribute to their manager in the 18th minute of the win over St Mirren to support former player Lennon, who wore number 18 during his time at Parkhead

Neil Lennon has thanked Celtic fans for their support after he was pelted with missiles by Aberdeen fans (GETTY IMAGES)

Neil Lennon thanked the Celtic fans for their show of support after he was pelted with missiles while watching Aberdeen's 4-0 League Cup semi-final win over St Johnstone on Saturday.

Lennon had to leave Tynecastle not long after the hour mark after coins and cups of liquid were thrown at him, although both hit the wrong targets.

The Celtic fans responded to the latest tribulation to affect Lennon with a special reception during the 18th minute of their team's 1-0 win over St Mirren on Sunday.

Lennon, who wore the number 18 as a Celtic player, said: "I can't thank them enough for that. I think it gave the players a real lift.

"It's something we don't hear very often in games where we're so much in control, but I think the supporters felt it meant a lot to me personally."

However, Lennon admitted he was considering aborting his spying missions to Scottish grounds after fearing for his safety and others' during the game.

"I've been at all the grounds, I was at Motherwell the week before watching Aberdeen and I've been all up and down the country, and I've never had to put up with that before," the 42-year-old said.

"It makes me think twice about going to games if that's the type of thing that's going to happen. It could have been worse, somebody could have been hurt.

"I'm not over-exaggerating it, someone could have been hit in the eye with a coin. It's just not on.

"Eventually you've got to say 'right' and maybe need to look at something else in your life if you can't go to a game and enjoy it when you're out working."

PA