Neil Lennon has apologised to the Celtic board for Wednesday's verbal spat with Rangers assistant manager Ally McCoist in their Scottish Cup tie.

Celtic first-team coach Alan Thompson again faced the media ahead of Celtic's Scottish Premier League match against Hamilton Accies on Saturday.

"Neil apologised to the board regarding the events after the game on Wednesday night," said Thompson.

"And the board have accepted that. From our point of view, that's finished."

Rangers manager Walter Smith on Friday said he was disappointed with some of his players' reactions during a game where his team were shown three red cards and lost 1-0.

While he took responsibility for his players' behaviour, his words appeared to fall short of a public apology for a match that led to much public criticism.

Lennon's apology for Wednesday's events was directed towards his own bosses and, as he did not attend the media conferences after the game or on Friday, has come second-hand from Thompson.

"From our point of view, that's finished and I know Walter has said that as well," said the Celtic coach.

"I am saying now that Neil has apologised now, so that makes it public."

Lennon and McCoist had to be separated at the end of the ill-tempered game and the Celtic manager was accompanied to training at Barrowfield by a security man on Friday morning.

Asked why Lennon had not appeared for the media conference, Thompson replied: "Neil had a lot on his plate in the last couple of days and he thought it was right to stand out the way for a day or two.

"He has had 24-hour surveillance outside his house two days in a row protecting him and his family and he thought it was right to step out of the way.

"I spend a lot of time with him at work and away from work and I know how difficult it is for his family in Scotland and in Ireland," added Thompson.

"I think it is important that he gets the protection and backing that we give him."

Celtic announced late on Friday afternoon that a suspect package addressed to Lennon had been intercepted at a Saltcoats Royal Mail sorting office.

Earlier this year, a package of bullets addressed to Lennon was found in Northern Ireland.

In relation to Friday's incident - a hoax nail bomb - a statement on the Celtic website said: "Clearly, this most recent sickening event in a long line of threats to Neil and his family is extremely worrying.

"This demonstrates the intensity and pressure which Neil endures as the Celtic manager.

"However, he has coped with these issues incredibly well during his short time as manager, showing what a strong character he is."

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