NEIL LENNON has accused tomorrow’s opponents of lacking class by snubbing the traditional pre-match guard of honour for Celtic at Ibrox tomorrow.
And the Hoops’ interim manager insisted the champions, who won their eighth successive title with their 3-0 triumph over Aberdeen at Pittodrie a week ago, would have lined up to applaud Steven Gerrard’s team if the roles were reversed.
The Govan side’s board took the decision not to observe the custom ahead of the final Glasgow derby confrontation. Rookie boss Gerrard was not consulted on the matter, but admitted he backed the club’s decision.
Lennon, speaking to the The Scotsman, said: “It’s a break from tradition. I think we would have done it if the shoe had been on the other foot. But it’s not a major issue for me.
“It would have been a touch of class if they did it. I’m disappointed they are not. Celtic would have done it.”
The Irishman takes the title kings into the Ibrox encounter with the team losing only one of their previous 14 tussles with their rivals.
That solitary success for tomorrow’s opponents came in December when a shot from Ryan Jack was deflected past the helpless Craig Gordon by skipper Scott Brown’s heel.
There has been talk of the Hoops players on a mission to avenge that defeat and make up for one of their worst performances in recent years.
However, Lennon said: “You don’t need any extra motivation for this game. We’ve had all the motivation for the last eight years and we are still going strong. The motivation is to go out there, play well, play strong and win the game. That’s your motivation.
“You are the champions, so play like champions. That’s what I’m expecting on Sunday.”
