Neil Lennon sends warning to Lazio ahead of Europa League clash

The Hoops will host Lazio at Celtic Park in the Europa League group stage on Thursday as they look to maintain their unbeaten start in the competition. And before the game, Neil Lennon has sent a warning to the Italian side.

A 1-1 draw away at Rennes followed by a 2-0 demolition of CFR Cluj at home means that Celtic currently sit at top of their Europa League group with 4 points from their first two games of the campaign. But they will arguably face their toughest test this season when Lazio visit Celtic Park on Thursday.

The Italian side have not made a great start to their season and  currently sit at seventh on the Seria A table. But Celtic cannot make the mistake of taking them lightly, as they still have the likes of Ciro Immobile, Sergej Milinkovic-Savic and Joaquin Correa in their team. Players who can change the course of a match at any given moment.

Yet heading into the game, it is the off-field issues of the Italian side that have been in great discussion. The Roman club were recently fined € 20,000 and a partial stadium closure by UEFA for the racist behaviour showcased by their fans in their last Europa League game against Rennes.

There has been a struggle to curb racist fan behaviour at Serie A clubs over the years as the monster seems to rear its head in Italy very often. And Neil Lennon is very clear that he would want his team to walk off if they face the same behaviour while Lazio for the reverse fixture in Rome next month.

According to Sky Sports, the Celtic manager said:

"“I wouldn’t discourage any player from walking off the pitch if he is getting racially abused.“I would encourage it because at the end of the day it is pointing out there is a wrong and we all have to do a little bit more to prevent it.“And for the individuals it is personal and it is very hurtful.”"

Lennon deserves credit here for tackling the subject here. Many managers in his position would not do so, especially  considering the fact that they are so close to facing the club in question.

Racism is a topic that has been heavily discussed in football over the years. But for some reason, even heavy fines and stadium closures have not been able to stop some club’s fans. It is about time that it was brought to an end and it will be interesting to see if UEFA decide to take stricter actions against teams that are repeat offenders.