McDonald lied to Lennon about a decision to overturn a penalty

Celtic boss Neil Lennon would like an apology from referee Dougie McDonald.

The official admitted misleading Lennon after reversing a penalty award in Celtic's match at Tannadice in October.

Asked if he hoped to get an apology, Lennon said: "I would like to think so, out of professional respect more than anything. I don't like being lied to."

McDonald takes charge of Hibs against Motherwell on Saturday and Lennon said he was surprised to see the referee given another top flight game so soon.

McDonald was warned by the Scottish Football Association for failing to clearly explain why he changed his mind after giving a penalty.

The referee overplayed the role his assistant Steven Craven had on the decision.

McDonald returned to action last weekend, overseeing Ross County's First Division win at Falkirk.

Asked if he would be satisfied if McDonald kept his job, Lennon replied: "It's not for me to answer that question, it's not for me to make that decision."

And when quizzed on the prospect of McDonald officiating at a Celtic game, he said: "We'll cross that bridge when we come to it."

Fresh from a 9-0 win over Aberdeen on Saturday, Celtic travel to Hearts on Wednesday with Lennon boasting a record of 17 wins from 18 league games since he replaced Tony Mowbray last season.

"There was work that needed to be done and we're still a fair bit off where we want to be," explained Lennon.

"Obviously, it was a bit of a gamble for the club to put me in charge, with relatively little experience, and I'm grateful for that.

"Everyone at the club has backed me completely and I can't thank them enough for that."

Meanwhile, Lennon has backed the club's promise to ban the supporters behind Saturday's anti-poppy banner but admitted it was a "sensitive issue", which had divided fans.

A fans group known as the Green Brigade unfurled a banner during half-time of the win over Aberdeen that read: "Your deeds would shame all the devils in Hell. Ireland, Iraq, Afghanistan. No bloodstained poppy on our Hoops."

"I support the club's stance on it, the statement that was made yesterday," said the manager.

"It's a sensitive issue with a lot of supporters, for and against.

"I go with the club's statement yesterday and I want to draw a line under that today."

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