ROSS WALLACE, the Celtic midfielder, was interviewed

by police last night after a

supporter kicked him following his side's 1-1 draw with Motherwell at Fir Park.

The incident occurred after home supporters invaded the pitch to celebrate their side's last home game of the season.

Afterwards Martin O'Neill confirmed: ''Ross Wallace got kicked by someone and I think the police are involved at the minute. I can understand the fans coming on the field at the end because it is Motherwell's last home game and I can understand that enthusiasm.

''But there is a problem when an opposition player's kicked then it's a different matter all together. I don't think he's been injured. But someone else has come in and asked about whether he wants to say something about it and he's quite reluctant.

''I don't want any raging headlines because Ross is okay, but he took a fair kick. I think the police are interviewing him.''

Terry Butcher, the Motherwell manager, has vowed to ban the person in question from Fir Park, if he can be identified.

''It was one of the days when we should have been celebrating a good season and draw against Celtic,'' he said. ''But I am disappointed if that's the case and I've just heard that he [Wallace] is being interviewed by the police.

''The stupidity of one person should not take from the fact that the rest of the crowd have been tremendous this season. We will talk to our people and we will sort that one out but strong action has to be taken.''

Meanwhile, John Hartson yesterday apologised for missing Celtic's championship presentation earlier this month, claiming that he didn't feel he'd contributed enough to the league win to join the party.

The Welsh striker said: ''With hindsight, I'd admit I should have gone along and collected my medal. That is something I regret. But it's done and I want the fans to understand why I didn't go. It just didn't feel right to be celebrating, having not kicked a ball for four months.''