Neil Lennon insists there is nothing 'tainted' about Celtic's Scottish Premier League title victory this season.
Celtic chief insists their victory has been deserved
Neil Lennon insists there is nothing 'tainted' about Celtic's Scottish Premier League title victory this season.
Lennon again watched from the stands as Celtic comfortably beat Rangers 3-0 in the final Old Firm fixture of the season - a result which took them 21 points clear.
But the Bhoys chief was quick to hit back at their success this season, which came after their rivals sunk into administration.
"The only way it is tainted is if you have won it and you cheated to win it and we have done nothing wrong," he said.
"We have played the best football and scored the most goals, conceded the least goals and have the best disciplinary record in the league so we are worthy champions."
Fantastic
Lennon was delighted with how his side played at Parkhead, as he said: "We were brilliant from start to finish. Once we found our feet in the game, we were magnificent.
"I am very proud of the team, I am very proud of the way they played and passed it, three great goals.
"We played better than them today and proved to be the champions. It's just been a good day for the club and the supporters.
"I've got to say both sets of supporters today were fantastic. There was a lot of humour going around and that's what we want to see, we don't want to see the nastiness.
"Both sets of supporters were a credit to their clubs today."
Asked if he agreed with Ally McCoist that Rangers and Celtic should, in general, be treated differently, Hoops boss Lennon said: "No. Not if you break the rules, not if you break the laws of football.
Qualms
"There is an issue of sporting integrity and moral sporting integrity as well.
"I understand Ally's point to a certain extent but if you have flouted the laws in the capacity that they have then the powers-that-be will punish you accordingly.
"If you break the rules then you should expect to be punished."
Asked if he would have any qualms about starting next season 10 points ahead of Rangers, who were deducted that amount in February when they entered administration, the former Celtic skipper said: "You are talking hypothetically here.
"It is not my place to talk about Rangers, it's not my place to talk about the outcome of whatever sanctions they are going to get.
"I will leave that to other people and cross that bridge when I come to it."
