Neil Lennon tweets anger at referee’s penalty call

Neil Lennon confronts Euan Norris© SNS Group

Neil Lennon could be set for another showdown with the Scottish Football Association after criticising referee Euan Norris' decision to award a last-minute penalty to Hearts in their Scottish Cup semi-final at Hampden.

Lennon expressed his anger at the official at full-time after Craig Beattie had fired in the spot-kick to end the Parkhead club's hopes of a double, awarded after Victor Wanyama handled the ball in the box.

The Celtic boss, who has three disciplinary cases pending, was also angered by the official's refusal to award his team a penalty after claiming Andy Webster had handled in the box.

The Northern Irishman left post-match press duties to first team coach Alan Thompson, who said his colleague had gone to speak to Norris in the referee's room.

SFA compliance officer Vincent Lunny has already written to Lennon for comments he made in the build-up to an SPL clash with St Johnstone early this month.

He also faces two charges after criticising Willie Collum after the League Cup final defeat to Kilmarnock as well as being dismissed by Calum Murray at half-time during the Glasgow derby loss to Rangers at Ibrox.

But he could 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".

Gary Hooper's equaliser had looked to send the game into extra-time after Rudi Skacel had fired Hearts infront.

But second-half substitute Beattie was on hand to send Hearts through to set up the first all-Edinburgh Scottish Cup final since 1896.

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