IT is actually fine to shout a few naughty things at footballers.

Such behaviour, and we're talking about genuine banter, should not result with anyone being arrested because Scotland's heart disease problems would be considerably worse if men were not allowed to let off steam on a Saturday.

And if the player or manager react then those in the stand should be big enough to take it back. That is, or it ought to be, the contract ever supporter agrees to when they enter a stadium.

All of this brings us to Ibrox last Saturday when Neil Lennon “offended” the Ibrox main stand so much so that a large and influential supporters group, Club 1872, the second largest shareholder in the club, felt the need to rattle out a statement on Sunday which truly boggled the mind.

“Club 1872 would like to commend the restraint of the Rangers support following a clear attempt by Hibernian manager, Neil Lennon, to incite trouble at yesterday’s game at Ibrox.”

A clear attempt to incite trouble? That is one hell of an accusation, and possibly libellous, but it’s not as wild as congratulating people because they did not attack another human for being a bit naughty on the touchline.

My goodness, but what world do we live in if people are praised for behaving as they should?

The statement went on. And on. Here are some lowlights.

“Mr Lennon has previous for abusing and goading both Rangers staff and supporters. He seems completely unable to control himself at Ibrox.

“We can only speculate as to why. His actions in the dugout yesterday – where he made various inflammatory gestures to the supporters sitting directly behind the Hibernian dugout – were not becoming of any football manager, never mind one who likes to play the victim when things do not go his way.”

Lads, clam down. Oh, and if you write “we can only speculate” then please do speculate.

I was at Ibrox on Saturday, albeit a bit away from the Hibernian dugout, but could hear some but not all of the abuse aimed at Lennon - and don’t for a moment think it was the entire stand.

He got booed, which is absolutely fair enough, there was name-calling, which isn’t worth getting worked up about, but there were also sectarian references and at least one, and this has become a thing, mention of child abuse.

That’s offensive, at least it would be to most sensible people, but apparently the worst thing to happen was a gesture - and despite what Lennon claimed that’s what it was - of a ‘get it up ye’ variety.

And now there is talk of the police being involved. Sorry, but I’m sure the hardworking and overworked officers have far more important things to do.

I wonder if the supporter who threw what looked like a lighter at Lennon will be reported.

Personally, I don’t think Lennon should have reacted that way he did and, at the risk of an angry phone call from the man himself, he does wind up folk when there is no need.

But, and this is important, I and most people haven’t had to put with what this guy has over the years. And more death threats were reported yesterday. Shall see a statement about that?

The hypocrisy is incredible. Seemingly, it’s okay for supporters to shout all sorts of things at the man but he’s not allowed to react. Why no mention of what was said on Saturday?

Rangers fans don’t like Lennon and I get that. They are well within their right to have a go, within reason, and most do. That’s football.

But it’s hugely insulting to the majority, who know right from wrong. to congratulate them for just shouting abuse and nothing else.

Those who claim all Rangers supporters are bigots who lose their shape at the sight of red hair talk nonsense.

Most go simply to watch their team and would not think once never mind twice about doing anything more than giving someone such as Lennon a few verbals.

Since Lennon joined Celtic as player in December 2000, he has been the most high profile figure in our game.

Some of the stuff he’s been accused of has been laughable, other times he’s been in the wrong, while there were dark episodes which shamed our country.

And there will always be some who say that he brings it on himself. That he’d get much worse if people weren’t so restrained. What tosh,

Lennon is good for our game even if you can’t stand him. His press conferences are great because he never ducks a question. His opinions are always worth listening to.

And, yes, he does misbehave,. There are other ways to celebrate a goal other than what he got up to on Saturday. But it’s not provocation.

If you are the type, and this goes for a supporter of any club, who might do something bad if an opposition player of manager acts in a manner you don’t like, then maybe football isn’t for you.