Neil Lennon had to leave Tynecastle today after being spat on and hit by coins at the Aberdeen v St Johnstone League Cup semi-final.

The Celtic boss was seated in the main stand surrounded by Aberdeen fans ahead of next Saturday’s Scottish Cup tie between Celtic and the Dons.

Lennon had to leave 20 minutes from the end with Aberdeen on their way to the final with a convincing 4-0 win.

The match was staged at Tynecastle by the SPFL who have responsibility for safety and security.

Whether Celtic make an official complaint about the incidents remains to be seen with the hoops boss having his own security officer with him at all times when he is on football duty.

So far the SPFL have made no statement on the incident with the gloating attitude of Aberdeen fans all over social networks.

According to Lennon’s agent, Martin Reilly, the Celtic boss had to leave due to verbal abuse, being spat on and being hit by coins while sitting in the stand.

One twitter messaging alongside a picture of the Celtic manager at the match said: “This is just asking for trouble #NeilLennon #Idiot.”

Off the park Lennon’s 13 years in Scotland has regularly been blighted by violence with football fans and members of the public feeling that the Irishman is fair game for their hatred.

In 2011 the Celtic boss was attacked by a Hearts fan at Tynecastle with the football authorities and legal system failing to respond to the incident in any meaningful way.

The League Cup remains without a sponsor with incidents like today highlighting why major companies shy away from being associated with Scottish football.