Fuming Neil Lennon took aim at referees and VAR after Omonia Nicosia suffered a heavy Europa League group stage defeat to FC Sheriff.
The former Celtic and Hibs boss has kickstarted his career in Cyprus, leading Omonia to the Cypriot Cup last term which earned them qualification for the Europa League group stage, but the Irishman couldn't mastermind the perfect start to the campaign with a 3-0 defeat in the opener. The Moldovan outfit cruised to a win thanks to goals from Iyayi Atiemwen, Ibrahim Rasheed and Mouhamed Diop, with Atiemwen's strike from the penalty spot sparking Lennon's ire.
Adam Lang was adjudged to have handled the ball when a shot rebounded off the Hungarian defender, which was then flagged up by the video assistant. Referee Rade Obrenovic the confirmed the call which left Lennon reeling after the full-time whistle. Speaking after Europa League matchday one, Lennon said: 'It's a disappointing result. I think 3-0 is unfair on Omonia, but that's the harsh reality of football at this level.
"We started the game very poorly and concede a very poor goal. We give ourselves a lot of work to do, but played well towards the end of the first half.
"But the VAR decision for the penalty is beyond belief. I don't understand it, and the people that make these decisions have never played football because it's impossible for that to be a deliberate handball.
"A lot of the players are new to this level. There is still five games to go in the group and it's fantastic to be a part of it."
READ NEXT
