Celtic hero Neil Lennon has slammed the decision by officials to send off Hoops defender Gustaf Lagerbielke against Feyenoord, calling it a “shocking decision”.

The Swede was given his marching orders after he was judged to have fouled a Feyenoord attacker Calvin Stengs in the box.

It resulted in a penalty, which was subsequently saved by Joe Hart, however, the Scottish champions still went on to lose the game 2-0.

Lennon feels the decision cost the Parkhead club from taking anything out of the Champions League opener.

He told Sky Sports: “Lagerbielke has received a second yellow card and he is off. For me it is not a penalty and it is an awful decision from the referee.

“He has sent Lagerbielke off and given Feyenoord a penalty. It is an absolutely shocking decision.

“For me it is never a penalty and it is a shocking decision. I feel for the lad because he has done alright tonight.

Only minutes after Lagerbielke was dismissed, the visitors were down to nine men after Odin Thiago Holm was sent off for a rash challenge.

And Lennon did not disagree with the Norweigian being shown a straight red.

He added: “[Holm] He is high and he has come right through the Feyenoord player. He cannot have any complaints.

“As much as I disagreed with the penalty decision, I do not think Holm has any argument there.”