SPL take no action over Lennon incident

The Scottish Premier League have confirmed that no action will be taken against Hearts or Celtic following a match between the two clubs where Neil Lennon was allegedly attacked by a supporter.

The incident took place during a league game at Tynecastle on May 11, when the Celtic manager was approached by the fan while in the technical area.

A statement from the SPL read: "The SPL Board decided that no action should be taken against either club as the action taken by each club before, during and since the match was reasonable in all the circumstances."

The SPL board considered reports from both the SPL match delegate and referee Craig Thomson when making their decision.

The footballing body also noted that stewards employed by Hearts challenged "offensive singing" by both sets of fans and "other incidents of disorder" sparked by the alleged attack.

The SPL statement read: "The SPL Board recently received a report following the Heart of Midlothian v Celtic match on Wednesday May 11, 2011.

"The Board also considered the reports from the SPL match delegate and the match referee.

"The SPL Board noted that Heart of Midlothian identified the fixture as a high risk game and in addition to the usual pre-operations meeting between the clubs, Lothian and Borders Police and G4S, Heart of Midlothian had arranged an earlier meeting with Lothian and Borders Police to specifically discuss safety and security aspects of the game.

"The SPL Board also noted that Heart of Midlothian's stewarding arrangements were entirely consistent with both their Safety Certificate and the requirements of Lothian and Borders Police.

"In accordance with these requirements, a steward was deployed to each gate at half time and full time, but not during the match.

"The Heart of Midlothian Safety Certificate is provided by the Safety Committee of City of Edinburgh Council.

"The individual alleged to have assaulted Celtic manager Neil Lennon is being dealt with by the justice system and has been give a life ban from Tynecastle Stadium by Hearts.

"G4S stewards, employed by Heart of Midlothian, sought to challenge offensive singing amongst both sets of fans when it occurred and correctly challenged other incidents of disorder.

"The SPL Board noted that both clubs implemented fully the Guidance for Clubs on Unacceptable Conduct issued by the SPL in 2007 to aid full compliance with SPL Regulations in this area.

"The SPL Board decided that no action should be taken against either club as the action taken by each club before, during and since the match was reasonable in all the circumstances."

Earlier this month, Hearts revealed they had taken steps to avoid a repeat of the scenes witnessed during that match.

Celtic's ticket allocation will be reduced by around 400 for the next match at Tynecastle on October 1 to create two 'clear' zones in the Roseburn Stand.

There will also be an increase in the number of stewards around both dug-out areas.

The measures were outlined in a letter which the Edinburgh club sent to supporters.

A Hearts spokesperson said at the time: "These plans will be put in place in advance of the next match versus Celtic at Tynecastle and have the support of both the police and the stewards.

"We will not tolerate anti-social behaviour of any sort by home or away fans."