Rangers fan admits Neil Lennon Facebook threat

An "avid Rangers fan" called for Celtic manager Neil Lennon to be bombed because he did not like him.

Allan McCormack, 25, posted the message "Bomb Neil Lennon, bomb him now" on a Facebook page following an Old Firm game on 29 April last year.

He admitted behaving in a threatening or abusive manner after being caught by police who were monitoring websites.

McCormack's bail was continued pending sentence next month. He cannot attend games at Ibrox, Celtic Park or Hampden.

Glasgow Sheriff Court heard that Strathclyde Police's violence reduction unit were involved in an inquiry into online hate messages directed at Mr Lennon.

Procurator fiscal depute Angus Crawford, prosecuting, said: "Whilst monitoring social networking sites, particularly Facebook, the phrase 'Bomb Neil Lennon, bomb him now' was discovered."

He added that officers were able to establish McCormack as a suspect and in August last year, telephoned him.

McCormack volunteered to go to the police station for an interview where he made admissions about the message posted.

The court was told McCormack claimed to the police he had been drunk and posted the message at 02:00, the day after his birthday, although accepted it was not an excuse.

Mr Crawford added: "He further went on to state to police that the posting was in response to a Rangers versus Celtic Scottish Cup game at Celtic park.

"He stated that he didn't like the way Neil Lennon, the Celtic manager, had conducted himself that day and that he doesn't like Neil Lennon generally."

The court heard McCormack is an "avid Rangers supporter" and often attends games.

McCormack will be sentenced next month.

He must also sign on at his local police station during the first half of every Rangers game and cannot enter Ibrox stadium, Celtic Park or Hampden Park.