Lennon threat an own goal

Lennon has consistently impressed for Northern Ireland

Sectarianism in Northern Ireland is hardly anything new. But the death threat directed at Neil Lennon prior to Northern Ireland's friendly against Cyprus highlights how it can permeate sport.

In general, rugby is played by Protestants and Gaelic games by Catholics, with football providing something of a middle ground.

Thousands from both sides of the religious divide travel to Scotland every weekend to cheer on their proxies, Rangers and Celtic.

The Football Association has tried everything in our power to stamp out bigotry and sectarianism

IFA president Jim Boyce

Lennon has been subjected to jeers and boos in the past when representing his country.

The last occasion came in February last year when he was booed every time he touched the ball at Windsor Park in the 4-0 defeat by Norway.

For some, Lennon is guilty of a trinity of cardinal sins: he is Catholic, he plays for Celtic and he was reported to have said that he would be willing to play for a hypothetical all-Ireland team.

Lennon withdraws after death threat

Those are the reasons for the abuse, but they certainly do not amount to justification.

Days before the game in 2001, Lennon's warning came in Northern Ireland vernacular: a "Neil Lennon RIP" slogan daubed on a gable wall near his home in Lurgan, Co. Armagh.

Now the hatred directed at the midfielder has intensified.

Irish News columnist Kenny Archer told BBC Sport Online last year that the abuse Lennon has received was not based on religion.

He said: "Without a doubt this is to do with Neil Lennon playing for Celtic not with him being a Catholic."

The present Northern Ireland team is evenly split between Catholics and Protestants while Catholics Martin O'Neill, Pat Jennings and Jimmy Quinn all enjoyed distinguished Northern Ireland careers without ever being subjected to abuse.

Indeed, the last player to receive Lennonesque levels of abuse was Anton Rogan, another Celtic player. He sympathised with Lennon when he was targeted last year.

"I can understand why he might want to pack it in, because he got a torrent of abuse, worse than I had to endure in my first game," said Rogan.

"After my first match, though, I didn't hear very much abuse. Either it stopped or I just didn't notice it."

Whatever the reason for the baiting of Lennon - and it certainly seems more anti-Celtic than anti-Catholic in character - the net effect is disaffection with the Northern Ireland team among the Catholic community.

Without a doubt this is to do with Neil Lennon playing for Celtic not with him being a Catholic

Kenny Archer, Irish News

A Celtic player being attacked by Northern Ireland supporters is unlikely to entice Celtic-supporting Catholics to support Northern Ireland.

The death threat and Lennon's subsequent withdrawal from the national team is a serious blow for IFA's "Kick Sectarianism Out of Football" campaign.

Aware of sectarianism in the game, the IFA has established a Community Relations Office.

Lennon considers future

"The Football Association has tried everything in our power to stamp out bigotry and sectarianism," said Jim Boyce, president of the Irish Football Association.

Although those involved in Lennon's vilification remain unpunished, the IFA are making the right noises but they are in danger of being drowned out.