While the sour relationship between Neil Lennon and the blue side of Glasgow has been well documented over the years, this weekend his son could take to the pitch against Rangers.
Gallagher Lennon completed a loan move from St Mirren to Dumbarton earlier this week and could face Phillipe Clement's side in the Scottish Cup on Saturday evening.
Over the years, Neil Lennon has been at the end of some toxic and worrying abuse from Rangers fans, with the two-time Celtic manager no stranger to some horrific encounters.
18-year-old Gallagher Lennon has been a standout player for Northern Ireland's U19 side in recent times and the defender recently made his senior club debut last month while on loan with Linlithgow Rose at the end of 2023.
READ HERE: Neil Lennon Bigs Up Ireland Squad As He Throws Hat In Ring For Job
Lennon moved to St Mirren last summer from Partick Thistle and after impressing during his first loan spell, his parent club will be hoping he will take to football in the Scottish League Two.
Celtic legend slams reporter over Gallagher Lennon remarks
While all eyes will be drawn to Gallagher Lennon and the potential to face his father's old foes this weekend, one Sky Sports' reporter was quickly shutdown on X by former Celtic striker John Hartson for his views on the clash.
Sky Sports' Mark Benstead suggested that the move was all for show and branded the deal as "WWE stuff".
Signing lenny’s lad ahead of facing rangers is WWE level stuff 👏🏻 https://t.co/0zIwzJobfo
— Mark Benstead (@markbenstead) January 18, 2024
John Hartson was quick to pick up on Benstead's tweet.
That’s a stupid way to look at it Mark.. Gallagher Lennon needs to make his own path in the game. He has a famous dad yes but talk about putting the kid under pressure before he’s even kicked a ball. Very unfair. https://t.co/QCh38bILUj
— John Hartson (@JohnHartson10) January 18, 2024
The pair then went back and forth following the tweet, with Mark Benstead suggesting that his original post was made as a "joke", rather than targetting Gallagher Lennon.
It was a joke John… nothing I say puts him under any more or less pressure. I find that a very surprising take. The lad is making his own way in the game, and making a decent fist of it so far
Hartson suggested that the Sky reporter should stick to doing his "job" with his next post.
Your a sky reporter.. I don’t think it comes across as a joke. Your job is to report on the game. Not make jokes about a young lad because of who his dad is.
The pair's altercation came to an end with John Hartson having the final word.
Don’t see much Humour in your tweet. https://t.co/NbyiM4N5e1
— John Hartson (@JohnHartson10) January 18, 2024
Due to Neil Lennon's Celtic ties, any time Gallagher could face Rangers is likely going to get people talking, but it's undoubtedly added pressure for the defender who already has expectations even at this young age.
SEE ALSO: The 5 Most Disastrous Failed Irish Transfer Moves
