MARTIN O'NEILL has thrown his support behind former player Neil Lennon following his claims that he was stabbed in the back during last season's failed ten-in-a-row bid.

Lennon was axed from his position in the Hoops hotseat in February 2022 following a dismal campaign, which ended trophy-less for the Parkhead club.

While he was in charge, the performances from his team sparked furious fan reactions and protests outside of the stadium after certain results.

While Lennon has since admitted his fair share of responsibility for the way the campaign went, he also revealed he felt that many betrayed him throughout.

Lenny hinted at some pundits for their comments. 

And while O'Neill has no issue with ex-players earning money in the media, providing their thoughts, he admits he supports Lennon's standpoint.

He told PLZ Soccer: "I mentioned to a couple of the players about that.

"I know everybody has to make a living in this life after football or if you happen to still be involved in the punditry aspect or whatever the case may be.

"But that can be very hurtful indeed, particularly people you know you've sat in the dressing room, cajoled and encouraged.

"You've been encouraged by these people as well and don't get me wrong, Neil Lennon was a big leader, he might not have been captain too often in my time at Leicester or Celtic, but he was essentially captain in everything but the word.

"He was a big leader in the team so that's really disappointing."