Attack accused's dad: I'm bloody ashamed of him.(News)

Byline: KEVAN CHRISTIE

EXCLUSIVE by KEVAN CHRISTIE THE family and friends of the man charged with assaulting Celtic boss Neil Lennon last night told of their disgust at his behaviour.

And the former lover of jobless ex-binman John Wilson branded him "a clown" and "a total waster".

Wilson, 26, was charged yesterday with assault and breach of the peace, both allegedly aggravated by religious prejudice.

And as he sat in a cell after being remanded in custody, his disgusted ex-partner Erica Ketchion said: "He told me he'd broken his ribs and couldn't see our bairn.

"Next thing, he's trying to lamp Neil Lennon. I can't believe he's been so stupid. He's an absolute clown who doesn't give a s***e about his daughter."

Wilson's horrified dad David, 58, said: "I'm bloody ashamed of him."

And his cousin added: "He's that stupid he's probably not aware of what he's done."

Hearts fan Wilson, a father of three, jumped from the stand at Tynecastle, ran at Lennon and swung a punch at him after Celtic went 2-0 up in Wednesday night's match.

Celts coach Alan Thompson grabbed Wilson as stewards rushed to help before police handcuffed Wilson and led him away.

Erica, 26, vowed to change their daughter Winter's surname from Wilson to her own because she was sick of her ex's behaviour.

She claimed Wilson had fathered three kids by three different women. And she accused him of spending his cash on watching Hearts while failing to support his child.

Erica said: "A friend phoned and told me John had run along the pitch and hit Neil Lennon.

"I can't believe he's been so stupid. He's put us at risk - my address has been posted on the internet and I'm really worried for the safety of my kids.

"John and I split up seven months ago after going out for a year and I want everyone to know I want nothing to do with the a******e. He always managed to find money to go to the football but not for me or his daughter." Erica also slammed Wilson on Facebook after a pal branded him a coward for attacking Lennon from behind.

She wrote: "He's a wimp - known fact."

Wilson's family are struggling to come to terms with his crazed actions. Dad David, 58, of Edinburgh, told the Record: "I can't believe John's done this. I'm in complete shock.

"How do I feel about this? I'm bloody ashamed of him."

Wilson's cousin Douglas, 29, of Penicuik, Midlothian, said: "He's a bit of a gullible fool and he's never grown up. He's a bit of a muppet, a bit of a loose wire.

"He's certainly not a loyalist or anything like that. If anything, he is probably a bit naive to all of it."

One of Wilson's pals said: "I was shocked when I saw the guy run along the touchline to attack Lennon. Then I realised it was John and I felt sick.

"I feel dirty that a guy I thought was my mate could stoop to this. John's not the brightest but nothing excuses his behaviour - no one wants anything to do with him."

Lennon was shaken but unhurt after Wilson's attack - the latest in a long line of assaults and threats he has suffered while at Celtic.

He wrote on Twitter: "Don't let what happened to me take the shine off a wonderful team performance. I don't walk alone."

Wilson, of Edinburgh, appeared in private at the city's sheriff court.

He made no plea and the case was continued.

Hearts have banned Wilson from Tynecastle for life.

Furious Celtic fans clashed with police and stewards after the attack on Lennon. But there was only one other arrest.

CAPTION(S):

CHARGED J Lesley Martin's family have slammed his behaviour