Neil Lennon has discussed Celtic fans' protests for the first time since his side's 2-0 defeat to Ross County sparked ugly scenes outside Parkhead last weekend - insisting "he'd have understood" if the club decided to sack him.

The manager has come under fire recently with just two wins from 10 and raging supporters arrived at Celtic Park in their hundreds to demand he leave his post. The club board gave him a vote of confidence, however, and said he would remain at the helm in a bid to turn things around.

But Lennon claims he would have understood if Peter Lawwell and Dermot Desmond had decided to pull the trigger and axe the boss. "They’re not a board who just sack managers for the sake of it," the Northern Irishman said this afternoon, breaking his silence on the issue.

Celtic now have AC Milan to contend with tomorrow evening in Europa League action despite being out of the competition. Then they face St Johnstone at the weekend and have a Scottish Cup final to look forward to against Hearts.

Mr Lawwell recently backed Lennon again with a statement, saying: "Like all those with Celtic’s best interests at heart, everyone at the club is feeling the same hurt, disappointment and frustration following the team’s recent results. 

"We are accustomed to winning and, of course, our objective will always be for that to continue. There is no complacency whatsoever. Neil, the players and backroom staff, who have already done so much for the club, share in all of that. They have never been more determined to succeed.

"Having enjoyed such sustained, unprecedented success, we now need strength in adversity. We know that many Celtic supporters share very honest and real concerns and they are being heard by the club. Every decision taken, both on and off the park, is with the Club’s best interests at heart.

"This is not about any individual, but about Celtic Football Club as a collective. Together we have faced unique difficulties in the early part of the season. While some of these were beyond our control, of course we recognise we must improve. There is a long way to go and everyone at the club is ready for the challenge. Later this month, Celtic will attempt what no other club in the world has achieved – a quadruple treble in domestic competitions.

"We can best prepare for that and for our other remaining competitions this season by moving forward together, with the sole aim of achieving continued success for the club."

Lawwell's comments did not wash with all supporters, however, with some demanding REFUNDS as they hope to hit the board in the wallet.