Thread: Diouf: Lennon is no Racist

RANGERS striker El Hadji Diouf spoke yesterday of his respect for Neil Lennon and said: "He is not a racist."

The on-loan star attempted to defuse the growing row over his clash with the Celtic boss in last week's ill-tempered Old Firm match. Police are investigating a number of complaints from Rangers fans who claim Lennon used a vile racial taunt - which he vehemently denies.

But Diouf himself has insisted he wiill not be complaining to police about any racism allegations.

He said: "Neil Lennon is a nice guy and I do not believe he racially abused me.

"Neil Lennon is not a racist and I have every respect for him as a manager."

Diouf spoke out in the run-up to tomorrow's Edinburgh Old Firm summit hosted by First Minister Alex Salmond.

Meanwhile, Diouf's agent Willie McKay revealed the Celtic boss and the Rangers striker have a mutual friend in former Lens, Leicester and Liverpool goalkeeper Pegguy Arphexad.

The agent added: "El Hadji is also great friends with one of Lennon's former Leicester team-ma t e s , Pegguy Arphexad, who he played with at Racing Club Lens.

"If people are trying to put the boot into Neil Lennon, he is not interested.

"He would never make a complaint. As far as he is concerned it is finished with.


"It is a big thing about nothing. The only thing El Hadji wants to do is sign a new contract with Rangers."

Lennon's lawyer Paul McBride QC yesterday said the racism allegations against the Celtic boss were "defamatory and outrageous with no substance whatsoever".

Meanwhile, it emerged cops may enter Old Firm dressing rooms before future derbies to warn players and managers about their conduct.

The move will be one of the radical proposals on the table at tomorrow's crisis summit.

Salmond, top cops and football power-brokers will also discuss moving the volatile fixture from the weekend to a weekday to reduce the level of drink-fuelled violence.

Last Wednesday, three Rangers players were sent off and 10 players in total were booked during the Scottish Cup fifth round replay.

Cops made 34 arrests at the game - 20 for sectarian breach of the peace - and 187 people were arrested across the Strathclyde force area.

Former first minister Henry McLeish yesterday called on the Old Firm to "get their house in order" or face tough sanctions.

McLeish, the author of a recent report on the future of the Scottish game, spoke out after both clubs issued defensive statements suggesting they were less to blame for the ugly scenes at Celtic Park.

Calling for a "new agenda" from the clubs, he said: "This is the best way forward - because my fears is that draconian measures are on the sidelines and they could be deployed quite soon."

McLeish , a former footballer, declined to go into detail about possible penalties.

But TV blackouts, Scotland-wide alcohol bans and even banning matches between the clubs have been suggested.

McLeish added: "Scots Tory leader Annabel Goldie was right when she said it was about Scotland's international image abroad.

"But taxpayers are also paying for policing, we are picking up the pieces for the excesses of violence.

"Scotland is saying, enough is enough."


Source: DailyRecord

Originally Posted by Diouf

He said: "Neil Lennon is a nice guy and I do not believe he racially abused me.

"Neil Lennon is not a racist and I have every respect for him as a manager."

Not a chance that is a direct quote from Diouf!

I'm glad it can finally be put to bed though. Bitter Rangers fans in losing Old Firm slander shocker!

In all honesty, although he's a cnut and never should have approached Lennon during the game fair play to him for putting the racial thing to bed.

the public condemnation of Lennon has been outrageous in the wake of his "racial slur" when there was 0% evidence

its all getting so boring. everytime there's a flash point the finger is always pointed in one direction, at Neil Lennon. fair enough, he shouldnt get involved and all that but he wasnt the only one. his reputation clearly goes before him now.

so can we get all the wankers that have said he is a racist to come out publically and apologise

Fair play to diouf for coming out and been a stand up nigga

Originally Posted by Dubs

so can we get all the wankers that have said he is a racist to come out publically and apologise

Fair play to diouf for coming out and been a stand up nigga

Post of the year

Would have respected diouf more if he came forward and said "Lennon is not a racist but i am an utter utter ****."