Lennon vows to defend his players

“We expect that as well and it is obviously an area we have to improve on.”

A lack of atmosphere against Inverness was accentuated by the absence of the Green Brigade, the vociferous and occasionally controversial section of the Hoops support who boycotted the match after claiming they had been subject to “oppressive police tactics.”

It is understood the Green Brigade, which number a few thousand, will also boycott Saturday’s home Scottish Cup tie against Arbroath but Lennon would like to speak to the group’s leaders to help resolve the situation.

“There is no doubt that they do bring something special to the stadium,” he said. “We want them back. I understand some of the reasons why they didn’t come to the game. But we would like to sort it out with dialogue, come to some sort of conclusion and get them back supporting the team as they have brought so much to the club and the stadium, they have been so much help to the players and myself since I have been in charge.”

A spokesperson for Strathclyde Police told Press Association Sport: “We’re aware of the comments on a number of social networking sites in relation to allegations of police harassment.

“We categorically deny that any particular group is unfairly targeted and if anyone thinks they have been unjustly treated they should feel confident in making a complaint.”

Meanwhile, Lennon will continue to monitor United States international striker Juan Agudelo. The 20-year-old Chivas USA player has been training at Lennoxtown during the Major League Soccer close season.

The Hoops boss said: “He is a player who has impressed us and we hope to take it further.”

Lennon is also looking at Frank Acheampong, a 19-year-old left winger with one cap for Ghana, but said: “We need longer to assess Frank.”