Dunfermline Athletic Disappointed by Neil Lennon’s Touchline Ban
Dunfermline Athletic has expressed its deep disappointment regarding the severity of manager Neil Lennon’s four-match touchline ban.
Lennon, 54, has also received an additional two-game suspended ban following his criticism of match officials after the team's 3-2 loss to Ross County on October 25.
In a post-match interview with BBC Scotland, he stated that referee Duncan Nicolson “had cost us at least a point” and described the official’s performance as “an abomination.”
“I don’t want him refereeing any of our games again,” Lennon remarked.
Dunfermline acknowledged that the manager's remarks constituted a breach of the disciplinary rules, and the club has accepted the decision made by the Scottish FA Judicial Panel.
However, they expressed disappointment that mitigating factors surrounding the match were not considered, including video evidence that highlighted several contentious decisions and disparaging comments made by an assistant referee to coaching staff after the match.
The club pointed out their ongoing discussions with the refereeing department regarding several controversial decisions that have negatively impacted them in key fixtures.
“These incidents contributed to the frustration displayed by the manager at full-time,” they added. “As a club, we believe it is crucial to advocate for what we consider right, for our club, our manager, and our supporters.”
Dunfermline Athletic is currently fifth in the second tier and is set to host Arbroath on Saturday.