Lennon accepts paper's apology

Neil Lennon sued over the Daily Record story

The Celtic footballer, Neil Lennon, has accepted a public apology and damages over a claim that it was "highly likely" he had robbed a photographer.

The Daily Record had wrongly suggested that Lennon pursued and robbed the photographer of £12,000 of equipment.

The allegation caused the player "great distress and embarrassment", his lawyer told the High Court in London.

The accusation was printed after the Celtic players went on a night out in Newcastle in December 2002.

Patrick Swaffer, for the Record, said it had never intended to make the suggestion against the player.

'Without foundation'

The allegation was "without foundation" and the paper offered "sincere and unreserved apologies".

It had agreed to pay him damages, the amount of which were not disclosed, and his legal costs.

William Bennett, appearing for Lennon, said that in the light of the settlement offer, the player considered he had been properly vindicated and was content to let the matter rest.

Earlier this year, the Record tried to stop the libel action from being heard in an English court.

But the judge ruled that Lennon had a substantial reputation to protect in England and allowed it to go ahead.