Former Celtic manager Neil Lennon insists society needs to “keep beating the drum” to tackle sectarianism, racism and sexism in sport.
Omonia Nicosia boss Lennon was asked for his views on several controversies recently including members of the Republic of Ireland women's team singing a pro-IRA chant and Kyle Lafferty being axed from Northern Ireland's squad after a video circulated online appearing to show the striker allegedly using sectarian language.
Lennon's former club Celtic were also fined after anti-monarchy banners were displayed at a Champions League match less than a week after the Queen’s death.
Read more: UEFA opens investigation into Republic of Ireland women's team 'pro-IRA chant'
Lennon - who received death threats while playing for Celtic back in 2002 - believes it is a "social thing".
He said: "You just have to keep beating the drum to try and find a level playing field but it is not just sectarianism.
"There is racism in sport and sexism as well in some quarters. We live in an open society - we are trying to move forward but every now and then we get dragged back.
Neil Lennon (Image: Getty Images)
"I have been through it myself on both sides. It's got to come from the home.”
Norther Ireland star Lafferty has already been fined by Kilmarnock with his club saying the striker "regrets his actions and acknowledges that he has let down himself, his family, the club and the supporters."
It also said the player will engage with anti-sectarian charity Nil By Mouth "on a one-to-one basis".
Lafferty - who faces a Scottish FA tribunal on October 20 - appeared in a video which appeared on social media showing the 35-year-old reacting when a man posing for a photo with him says “Up the Celts”.
Lennon said: "Kyle [Lafferty] has made a mistake. He has to own that. I don't know the reference about the Republic team.
"The Celtic fans are anti-monarchists and have been for a long time. It is not just a sporting thing. It is a political thing.
"Obviously the Troubles in Ireland have been well documented for over 50 years. How do you change 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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