Man charged over Lennon abuse

A man appeared in a Scottish court today after being arrested over alleged internet sectarian offences targeting Celtic manager…

A man appeared in a Scottish court today after being arrested over alleged internet sectarian offences targeting Celtic manager Neil Lennon.

Iain Rooney (24), has been accused of creating websites where hate messages about Lennon were posted last season.

He was arrested in a joint operation between Strathclyde Police, Central Scotland Police and the newly formed Football Coordination Unit for Scotland (FoCUS).

Mr Rooney, of Callander, appeared in private at Stirling Sheriff Court this afternoon, where he faced three charges in total.

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Two were breach of the peace, one of which was with religious aggravation.

The third charge related to an alleged contravention of section 38(1) of the Criminal Justice and Licensing (Scotland) Act 2010. The Act relates to a person behaving in a threatening or abusive manner. Court officials said this charge involves racial and religious aggravation.

Mr Rooney made no plea or declaration during the petition hearing before Sheriff William Gilchrist. The case was committed for further examination and Mr Rooney was released on bail.

No date was set for the next court hearing.

PA