Neil Lennon conducted himself with “great dignity” following the incident where a fan threw a coin, striking the Hibs manager during a match, Nicola Sturgeon has said.

The First Minister praised the former Celtic manager and player for his conduct and said no-one should have to endure what he has suffered.

Ms Sturgeon was responding to a question by James Kelly, Glasgow Labour MSP on what the Scottish Government would do to tackle anti-catholic and anti-Irish bigotry.

Ms Sturgeon said: “I saw some of Neil Lennon’s press conference at the end of last week and I thought that he conducted himself with great dignity. I am sure that we all agree that nobody should have to suffer the abuse and attacks that he has had to suffer.”

She added: I condemn unequivocally the attack on Neil Lennon that took place last week. It is a matter for the police to thoroughly investigate

“I unequivocally condemn anti-Catholic bigotry and anti-Irish racism. I condemn sectarianism in any shape or form. This Government will continue to take the action that is needed to ensure that Scotland is a country that demonstrates zero tolerance of that kind of bigotry. Whatever our football loyalties may be, or if we have none, such conduct has no place in modern Scotland and all of us must unite to make that absolutely crystal clear.

Mr Kelly had said that the “numerous attacks” on Neil Lennon were “wholly unacceptable in a modern and progressive country”.