Zdenek Zlamal

Hibs manager Lennon struck by coin in Edinburgh derby

Published Oct. 31, 2018 7:16 p.m. ET

EDINBURGH, Scotland (AP) — Hibernian coach Neil Lennon said he was struck on the chin by a coin thrown from the crowd in his team's 0-0 draw at Edinburgh rival Hearts in the Scottish Premiership on Wednesday.

Lennon fell to the ground in his technical area, clutching his face, after being hit by an object during injury time of a feisty game at Tynecastle featuring a number of flashpoints. He had just been celebrating in front of Hearts fans after their team had a goal disallowed for offside.

"That's unacceptable," Lennon said. "You can't blame anyone for an individual who is totally out of control. I hope the authorities single him out and I hope I get to meet him one day, face to face."

Asked if he had goaded the home supporters, Lennon said: "We were having a bit of fun with the Hearts fans. They were winding me up, I was winding them up.

"Some will be thinking he (Lennon) brings it on himself. For me, it's totally unacceptable."

Lennon was attacked by a fan on the touchline at Hearts' ground while manager of Scottish champion Celtic.

Another incident in the match saw Hearts goalkeeper Zdenek Zlamal fall to the ground after being hit by what his manager, Craig Levein, said was "a punch" by a Hibs fan midway through the second half. Zlamal had been fetching the ball from behind the goal in a break in play.

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