Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has accused a section of Celtic fans of disrespect after they chanted for former player Kieran Tierney during their 3-0 win over St Mirren. Rodgers was unhappy with the chants, which he felt were a slight on current left-back Greg Taylor.
Rodgers refused to discuss the possibility of Tierney returning to Celtic, but instead focused on the importance of showing respect to current players. He praised Taylor’s commitment and dedication to the club, and expressed his hope that Taylor will sign a new contract with Celtic.
“I think it’s a total lack of respect,” Rodgers said. “Greg Taylor has been absolutely amazing at this club. How does he feel? He nearly breaks his nose, bleeding for the club, for a cause. It’s not very respectful. You sing for another player, no matter what Kieran’s history is. I don’t like that.”
Rodgers also addressed the team’s performance, saying that they had bounced back well from their Old Firm defeat to Rangers. He praised the team’s response and their ability to dig deep and find a way to win.
“I think that everyone who’s watched us over the last, in particular, 12 months would not have recognised us at Ibrox,” Rodgers said. “Like I said, there’s some probably immeasurable reasons as to why, you know, so we got punished for that. So then the response today was really, really good against a team that we’ve seen all season that is well-coached, well-managed, and make it really, really difficult for teams.”
Rodgers also commented on the groans from the crowd when Celtic passed the ball backwards during the game. He said that he understood the fans’ frustration, but encouraged them to trust the team’s approach.
“I understand the frustration, but I think it’s really important that we trust the process,” Rodgers said. “We trust the way that we’re playing. We’re not going to change the way that we play just because of a result. We’re going to stick to what we believe in, and I think that’s what’s got us to where we are today.”
The win over St Mirren extended Celtic’s lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership table, after Rangers drew 3-3 with Hibernian. Rodgers said that he was pleased with the team’s response to the Old Firm defeat, and that they would continue to work hard to achieve their goals.
“I’m pleased with the response, but I think it’s just a normal response,” Rodgers said. “I think that’s what we’ve built here over the last few years. We’ve built a team that can respond to setbacks, that can respond to adversity. And I think that’s what we saw today.”
In other news, Rodgers praised Nicolas Kuhn’s performance, saying that he had shown brilliance on the pitch. He also commended Luke McCowan’s work rate and dedication to the team.
“Nicolas was brilliant today,” Rodgers said. “He’s a top player, and he’s shown that again today. And Luke McCowan, his work rate is incredible. He’s a player who gives everything for the team, and I think that’s what we need more of.”
The article also mentions that Philippe Clement, the Rangers manager, was unhappy with the referee’s decision not to award a penalty to Rangers during their game against Hibernian. Clement said that he had spoken to the referee, John Beaton, and had been unsatisfied with his explanation.
“I’m very disappointed with the referee’s decision,” Clement said. “I think it’s a clear penalty, and I think that the referee has made a mistake. I’ve spoken to him, and I’m not satisfied with his explanation.”
Overall, the article provides an update on the latest news and developments in Scottish football, including Celtic’s win over St Mirren and Rangers’ draw with Hibernian. It also highlights the ongoing rivalry between the two teams, and the importance of respect and sportsmanship in the sport.
As the Scottish Premiership season continues, Celtic and Rangers will be looking to maintain their positions at the top of the table. Celtic will be hoping to extend their lead, while Rangers will be looking to close the gap and challenge for the title.
The rivalry between Celtic and Rangers is one of the most famous and intense in football, with both teams having a long and storied history. The two teams have been competing for decades, and their matches against each other are always highly anticipated and closely watched.
In recent years, Celtic have dominated the Scottish Premiership, winning multiple titles and establishing themselves as one of the top teams in the country. However, Rangers have been working to close the gap, and the rivalry between the two teams is as intense as ever.
As the season continues, Celtic and Rangers will be looking to maintain their positions at the top of the table and compete for the title. The rivalry between the two teams will be as intense as ever, and their matches against each other will be highly anticipated and closely watched.