Lennon hopes Lazio clash brings out the positives of football

Neil Lennon wants Celtics Europa League clash with Lazio at Parkhead on Thursday night to be a celebration of football.There are some concerns around the tie after it was confirmed that the return match will be played in a partially closed stadium after the Serie A clubs fans were found guilty of racist behaviour by UEFA during the 2-1 Europa League victory over French club Rennes at Stadio Olimpico earlier this month.The Celtic manager, in the wake of racist problems experienced by some England players in Bulgaria recently, had expressed concerns that there could possibly be similar problems when his side visit Rome and claimed he would encourage his players to walk off the pitch if they are ever subjected to racial abuse.Meanwhile, it has been reported that specialist police are flying to Scotland in a bid to keep an eye on Lazios travelling ultras but Lennon is looking at the positives.Im hoping tomorrow is a celebration of football between two great clubs, said the Hoops boss at the pre-match press conference at Parkhead.In the main I think Lazio have a great support. There are always a minority who want to overshadow the game, make noise for the wrong reasons or put a stain on the game.Im hoping thats not going to be the case tomorrow night. Im hoping at the end of the game were talking about the great atmosphere against two great sides playing in a great game of football.There is an underbelly now of racism, not just in Italy but were seeing it in eastern Europe as well and we want to eradicate that as quickly as possible because I have a duty of care to my players and I want them protected.Theyre here to play football, it doesnt matter what the colour of their skin is or what their background is. Theyre here to play for Celtic and as far as were concerned were a club thats open to everybody.Attacking midfielder Ryan Christie, who is eligible to play amid a two-game domestic suspension for for his red card against Livingston, backed his manager up with regards possible action in the face of any racism.He said: Obviously, first things first, if racial abuse becomes a part of this game then its up to UEFA and the referees to make a decision.Id obviously have no qualms about walking off the park. I think the manager said hed be happy for us to do it.I think in this day and age its probably going to need strong stances like that to really put a message across and try and stop it.Lennon, though, would much rather the game will be counted among the great European nights at Celtic Park.The Scottish champions head into the game sitting top of Group E after drawing with Cluj and beating Rennes in their opening two matches.The Hoops also beat Ross County 6-0 at Parkhead on Saturday to go back top of the Ladbrokes Premiership.The Northern Irishman said: I think its a great game for all the fans to look forward to, and certainly the players.Weve made a great start to the group, were playing very well and off the back of a great victory at the weekend, the anticipation is building for this game.Its hopefully going to be one of those great European nights here at Celtic Park.(function(i,s,o,g,r,a,m){i['GoogleAnalyticsObject']=r;i[r]=i[r]||function(){
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