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RUNNER Lynsey Sharp is at the centre of a internet storm after marking Novak Djokovic’s Wimbledon triumph with a tweet based on a football smear campaign.

Rangers fan Sharp, 25, posted: “Just catching up on #Wimbledon.....Big Djok Knew.”

The tweet, which has since been removed, was widely interpreted as a reference to the slogan “Big Jock Knew.”

Sharp then prompted further ridicule by claiming she thought it was a reference to former Rangers manager Jock Wallace.

The jibe refers to claims Parkhead icon Jock Stein was aware of sexual abuse committed by the former Celtic Boys Club manager, Jim Torbett, but did not notify the authorities.

Torbett was subsequently jailed for two and a half years in 1998.

But former Scotland boss Stein has never been implicated in any criminality or knowledge of the abuse and the slurs have caused distress to his family.

Sharp later apologised for her Tweet

The tweet was widely condemned on the microblogging site.

Ex-Sunday Mirror sports writer Brian McNally (@McNallyMirror) tweeted: “Runner @LynseySharp insulted the memory of #Celtic & Scotland legend Jock Stein with her vile bid to get laughs from tragic child abuse. Sick.”

Stephen r (‏@cardiffbhoy) posted: “@LynseySharp seriously, classless individual , you’re not fit to represent the country that Jock Stein died for.”

And CelticVines (‏@Celtic_Vines) posted: “I wonder how @LynseySharp is feeling this morning after her disgusting tweet glorifying lies about child abuse.”

Under Stein Celtic won nine league titles in a row and became the first British team to win European Cup.

Stein, 62, died after suffering a heart attack at the end of Scotland’s World Cup qualification match against Wales in September 1985.

Sharp won 800m silver at the Commonwealth Games and the European Championships last year.

After her Glasgow triumph she was invited by Rangers to parade her medal before the Ibrox faithful.

In January it emerged Sharp had joined a fans group aiming to snap up shares in the club.

She said: “Rangers is in my blood and it’s heartbreaking to see the most successful club in the world like this.”