‘Really interesting’: Celtic legend on the key factor that has helped Neil Lennon keep his job

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Celtic fans have been calling for Lennon’s dismissal throughout the season

Chris Sutton believes Neil Lennon may have been out of a job had fans been allowed inside Celtic Park.

He’s watched his former Celtic team-mate endure a torrid time this season, with Celtic slipping out of three tournaments and all but surrendering their league title.

Fan protests calling for Lennon’s dismissal were sparked by November’s 2-0 defeat against Ross County at Celtic Park, and supporters unfurled a banner reading ‘LENNON OUT’ at Lennoxtown during the build-up to Saturday’s 2-1 win over Motherwell.

Sutton, who scored 86 goals in 199 appearances for the club, reckons the presence of fans inside Celtic Park would have heaped pressure on the club’s decision-makers.

As quoted by Record Sport, he said: “I think it’s a really interesting debate this one.

“I think if the Celtic fans were allowed in the stadium, 60,000, then yes I think it would have a bigger impact on the decision-makers.”

The Scottish champions secured their second consecutive victory through goals from Stephen Welsh and Odsonne Edouard, but were given a second-half scare as Allan Campbell pulled one back with 24 minutes remaining and Diego Laxalt was forced into a clearance off his line in injury time.

Record Sport quote Lennon as saying after the match: “I thought we deserved it. We were outstanding for a good 60-70 minutes then Motherwell got a bit of luck with the goal.

“That changed the psychology of it but our reaction was okay.

“I thought we would see the game out but we had an anxious moment at the end.

“Thankfully Diego made a great clearance and it was a good three points for us.

“I thought we were really good in the first half and even in the second half, it was some of our best football this season.”