Join thousands of fans who have signed up to our Rangers newsletter. Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

Neil Lennon is on a collision course with the SFA and cops over his Ibrox goal celebration.

Police Scotland have launched a probe into the conduct of the Hibs boss after around 30 Rangers fans lodged complaints.

It’s understood senior officials also spoke with referee John Beaton at half-time of the powderkeg weekend fixture about the conduct of the Hibs bench.

Rangers supporters had taunted the Celtic icon with cries of ‘Neil Lennon, you’re a w******, you’re a w******’ but he had the last laugh when his side won 3-2 to move joint top of the Premiership.

The reaction of Lennon to Simon Murray’s first-half equaliser so incensed the home support many of them reported him for his conduct to police officers in the main stand.

Lennon turned to the fans and cupped his hands to his ears but it was his alleged ‘up yours’ gesture with his pumped fist that sent them over the top.

At least one object was thrown at Lennon, believed to be a lighter, and Rangers assistant Helder Baptista complained to a senior police official standing at the mouth of the tunnel about the reaction of his rival.

(Image: SNS Group)

The incident has been mentioned in the match report of SPFL delegate Tim Love and SFA compliance officer Tony McGlennan could also now act.

Referee Beaton and fourth official Euan Anderson missed Lennon’s gestures, but the decision by police to speak to the whistler is certain to be mentioned in his report.

Photographers also caught Lennon’s gestures and McGlennan could now begin the process of activating a two match suspension that was hanging over the Easter Road gaffer following last season’s infamous touchline rammy with Morton boss Jim Duffy.

A spokeswoman for Police Scotland said: “Complaints have been received and our enquiries are continuing.”

Lennon strongly denied any wrongdoing after the game, which also saw Ryan Jack sent off for a headbutt incident with Anthony Stokes that Rangers say they’ll appeal.

He said: “You are looking for things that aren’t there. I didn’t make a gesture, I celebrated a goal. If they are unhappy with that they can see me, but I shouldn’t get into trouble for that.”

(Image: SNS Group)

Rangers boss Pedro Caixinha was unhappy with the behaviour of his rival and said: “I listened to the other manager speaking to the fourth official.

“The way he goes, that allows me to go the same way if I want, but I don’t have the same principles, education or point of view.”

Rangers are also adamant Jack was the innocent party in the flare up with Stokes in the first meeting of the sides since the controversial Scottish Cup final of 2016, which Hibs also won 3-2.

Caixinha added: “For the good of football I’d invite the referee to look at the video and analyse whether he took good decisions or not.”

He was also unhappy with the conduct of Lennon and added: “I listened to the other manager speaking to the fourth official. The way he goes, that allows me to go the same way if I want, but I don’t have the same principles, education or point of view.”

Hibs were unavailable for comment.