Celtic manager Neil Lennon has criticised the media for stirring up "controversy" over Old Firm players socialising off the pitch.

The Parkhead boss spoke out about the issue on Friday during a press conference.

His comments came after The Scottish Sun reported on its front page that Celtic first team coach Alan Thompson and Rangers goalkeeper Allan McGregor went for drinks at a pub in the west end of Glasgow on Wednesday.

Mr Lennon said: "The media are the ones who say that more should be done to put away the sectarian element.

"I’ve been there myself when Allan’s been in and had his company for 15 to 20 minutes and it’s a very difficult thing to do in Glasgow sometimes."

He added: "But every now and again it happens and now, all of a sudden, one of the tabloids want to make a whole big thing about it."

Mr Lennon said that the piece in the tabloid was a "nothing story".

He told the press conference at Celtic’s Lennoxtown training facility: "One of my staff and Allan McGregor frequent the same pub. Wow."

The Celtic manager added: "It only sort of stirs it up in my eyes. What I think they’re trying to do is stir up some sort of controversy that isn’t really there. I think it’s disgusting."