Leigh Griffiths booed on Celtic return as fans split after striker handed another chance

© SNS Group Griffiths was a second half sub against the Hammers © Provided by Daily Record

Striker Leigh Griffiths was greeted by boos from a section of fans on his Celtic return after he was the subject of a police investigation.

The 30-year-old forward was recently cleared of any criminality following claims he sent inappropriate messages to a teenage girl on social media.

Griffiths was sent home from Celtic ‘s pre-season training camp in Wales until the investigation concluded.

Afterwards, manager Ange Postecoglou confirmed the player would return to his squad after he was also placed under an internal probe.

The Scotland international was a second-half substitute during his side’s friendly with West Ham at Parkhead on Saturday, his first appearance since rejoining the first-team setup.

And there were audible jeers when his name was read out by the tannoy announcer and again when he touched the ball for the first time.

The boos were then interspersed with some applause and cheers when Griffiths moved to the corner flag to take set pieces.

Last season, Griffiths faced accusations over poor fitness levels from former boss Neil Lennon, who has claimed he returned from the Covid-19 shutdown badly out of shape.

Postecoglou’s side are preparing for Wednesday night’s Champions League second round qualifier second leg against Midtjylland in Denmark.