Brendan Rodgers defends Neil Lennon

Neil Lennon was hit in the face by a coin after goading the Hearts supporters after they celebrated what they thought was a 94th minute winner. 

The effort was eventually ruled out as offside, which led to Neil Lennon provoking the proud at Tynecastle Park. The former Celtic and Bolton Wanderers manager has been criticised my some in the media for his actions, however Brendan Rodgers has supported his colleague. 

"It shouldn't even be a question," Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers told the 'Daily Mail'.

"You get some coaches who'll participate with the crowd when there's banter coming from the stands and it goes back and forth. Okay. But you should never be hit with a coin when you are out there at your place of work.

"It's something that no coach, manager or player in that workplace should have to go through.

"From Neil's perspective, I'm sure it shocked him", he added. 

The game ended 0-0 between Hibernian and Hearts. 

"The young guy at Livingston that day, he smiled and got on with it," added Rodgers (below). "But it doesn't make it right.

"It's not the perception that we want to have up here of the game where you are switching on and that's what you are seeing. It's not good when there is so much good going on right now.

"The passion up here is so huge for football but there always has to be a lid kept on it. You look at these grounds and it's very intense and hostile. The bigger picture is we don't want that (coin throwing) as a representation of the Scottish Premiership and society up here.

"The one safe environment you should have as a player or manager is on the field. It's your job", he added.