RUDI: SPIT CLAIM IS A BLOODY LIE

RUDI SKACEL has talked for the first time about claims he spat at Neil Lennon during Sunday's 3-0 win at Tynecastle.

Skacel claims he was clearing his throat of blood after being elbowed in the face by the Celtic skipper but did not aim a dirty mouthful at his midfield rival.

He said: "Lennon elbowed me in the head and I felt blood in my mouth, which is why I spat, but it was away from him.

"He was one-and-a-half metres away from me and by making allegations I deliberately spat at him he has lost all my respect."

Skacel also claimed photographic evidence which appeared to show him gobbing in the direction of Lennon was wide of the mark.

He added: "This picture was taken from across the other side of the stadium and it maybe looked as if I spat on him but it's not true.

"I had no reason to become involved in such conflicts. We were 2-0 ahead at the time and the better side and the only person who lost his head was Lennon.

"Their coach substituted him and if he had not taken this action the player would have been given a red card because he tried to provoke for the whole match."

Taken from the Daily Record