Neil Lennon is still in a shocked and confused state over the decision by a jury to give a 'not proven' verdict to the man accused of attacking him at Tynecastle. Hearts fan John Wilson was accused of a sectarian assault on the Celtic manager during a league game in May. Despite the incident being shown live on TV and replayed several times, the jury came back with a verdict of 'not proven'. Wilson had admitted to the court that he had lunged at Lennon and struck him on the head during the incident. However, the decision was made which put the Scottish legal system into the spotlight around the world.
While chief executive Peter Lawwell said at the time: "Most people will be baffled and find it difficult to comprehend the judgment and verdict", Lennon kept his thoughts to himself. Until now. He said: "To be honest I've still not got my head round it. I needed to take time out and get away from everything because obviously the jury's decision was a shock and confusing. It didn't make me consider getting out because I enjoy what I do. I wouldn't criticise the prosecution for pursuing the religious element of the charges. They were just doing their job. It was left to the jury to decide and the jury found it not proven. That is the way the justice system is and I just have to accept it."
Lennon is grateful to the support he has received, though, and is keen to put the matter behind him and move on. He went on: "The public reaction since the verdict has been heartening. Eminent people have given their opinions on it and it's nice to have that sort of backing, to know they are on your side. I've never had an apology from the guy, but I'm not going to go down that road. I'm hoping that's the end of it now. I just want to get back to talking about football matters and looking forward to the rest of the season."