NEIL Lennon has rebuked a "small minority" of bigoted Celtic fans who sing offensive songs, condemning them for tarnishing the club's reputation and bringing the team into disrepute.

The Celtic manager’s warning came two days after the club narrowly lost out to Rangers in the Scottish Premier League title race on Sunday, marking the end of a campaign marred by sectarian incidents.

In a statement on the club’s website, Lennon, who praised the majority of fans on match days for their vocal support, said that such chanting “has no place at Celtic Park”.

It follows claims that some supporters were involved in pro-IRA chanting at last week’s league match against Hearts, during which Lennon was allegedly attacked by a 26-year-old man.

Lennon, who has also been targeted with bombs and bullets in the post, demanded those who undermine the team’s name curb their behaviour.

He said: “Celtic is rightly proud of its unique history and also of its open, inclusive and welcoming spirit. While we are delighted with the support we have received throughout the season, it is very important that we ensure that Celtic is always a positive club for all. We all know it has been a very difficult season for Celtic and we all know what has gone on. However, we must ensure that we do all we can to uphold the club’s reputation.

“In recent times, unfortunately there has been a re- emergence from a small minority, of some of the singing and chanting which is simply not acceptable around our club.

“All this does is tarnish the great name of Celtic and embarrass the club.”

The build-up to the season finale last weekend was overshadowed by a high-profile hate campaign against Lennon and other figures connected to Celtic, including lawyer Paul McBride, QC, and former MSP Trish Godman. The three were targeted by mail bombs, and another package was sent to a pro-republican Irish group in Glasgow.

Police also launched an inquiry on Monday into a package sent to former Rangers vice-chairman Donald Findlay, QC, which apparently contained a knife.

In an interview earlier this year, after two postal bombs were sent to him, Lennon raised fears that sectarianism would never be solved in Scotland.

“It starts in the home and is passed down from generation to generation,” he said.

“You would like to think that, in 10 or 15 years’ time, we won’t have all this, but I’m 10 years down the line and we’re still talking about it. It’s not a football issue, really. It’s brought to the grounds.

“I think both clubs do a hell of a lot to try to stamp out sectarianism but it’s been going on since long before I came up here.”

Celtic’s Old Firm rivals, Rangers, were punished by governing body Uefa recently for offensive chanting, prompting outgoing manager Walter Smith to “condemn out of hand” Scotland’s sectarian tensions.

Lennon, in his latest message, appeared keen to draw a line under recent events and start next season on a positive footing.

John Wilson, 26, was remanded in custody after he appeared at Edinburgh Sheriff Court last week, charged with breach of the peace and assault on Lennon, both aggravated by religious prejudice.