Neil Lennon has reacted to an anti-monarchist banner by Celtic fans as he urges people to learn from their mistakes with football looking to stamp out all forms of bigotry.
The Republic of Ireland Women's team had to apologise for singing pro-IRA songs after their win over Scotland this week while Kilmarnock striker Kyle Lafferty is under investigation for an alleged sectarian comment. Celtic meanwhile have been fined £13k by UEFA for a banner against the monarchy, displayed in the aftermath of Queen Elizabeth II's death. Lennon was a big anti-sectarianism advocate during his time as a player and manager of Celtic plus Hibs, with his Omonia Nicosia side taking on Manchester United tonight.
It was put to Lennon: "Neil, as someone who knows acutely the issues at play. The Republic of Ireland women's team got to the World Cup and had to apologise for the songs they sang after the game. We've had an issue with Celtic fans and a banner after The Queen died. We've got Kyle Lafferty being investigated for issues he's been involved with. How much work is there to do with sectarianism in the game?"
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And he replied: "It's a social thing. It's been around a lot longer than I have been on this earth and I have been through it myself in Scotland and seen both sides of it. It's got to come from the home. Kyle made a mistake and he needs to own up to that and own it.
"I don't know the reference about the Republic of Ireland team but the Celtic fans have been anti-monarchists for a long, long time. It's not just a sporting thing, it's a political thing with the troubles in Ireland that have been well-documented.
"How do you change it? You need to keep beating the drum to find a level playing field for everyone. But it's not just sectarianism, there's still racism in sport and sexism.
"We live in an open society but every now and then you are dragged back into it. I can't comment for the individuals. I can't speak for the individuals. I just hope they learn their lesson and learn it quickly."
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