Celtic's Rodgers dismisses Rangers talk of 'disrespect' ahead of Old Firm derby

English Woman's Journal - Celtic's Rodgers dismisses Rangers talk of 'disrespect' ahead of Old Firm derby

SPORTS 10.05.2024

Celtic's Rodgers dismisses Rangers talk of 'disrespect' ahead of Old Firm derby / Photo: ANDY BUCHANAN - AFP

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has brushed off suggestions that he showed disrespect towards Rangers as the fierce Glasgow rivals prepare for a potentially pivotal derby on Saturday.

Change text size:

Rodgers said after last week's 3-0 win against Hearts that his team could "have a bit of fun" against Rangers but stressed they would take nothing for granted in the title race.

Rangers, playing 24 hours later than Celtic, cut the gap to three points with a 4-1 win over Kilmarnock.

Rangers boss Philippe Clement, speaking after his team's victory, said: "That it is something that I would never say about an opponent. It's not really respectful towards my team."

Northern Irishman Rodgers was surprised by the Belgian's response, telling reporters on Friday: "I think anyone who was at my press conference would have sensed the way in which it was said. The reaction to that is totally without merit. It has no context whatsoever.

"You mention my past record in these games (Rodgers has an impressive winning record), I have never referred to these other than being intense, being competitive. We never talk about the game as that but we talk about the whole occasion."

Victory for Celtic at home would leave them on the verge of a third consecutive title, with games to come against Kilmarnock and St Mirren while a draw would also leave them well placed.

"For us, our intention is to win the game, so we don't prepare for anything else," said Rodgers. "We look to attack the game, and that's our only focus and we'll see where that brings us."

Clement, at his own press conference on Friday, urged Rangers to "grab the moment", comparing his side to the gladiators of the Roman Empire.

"I think football is maybe a little bit like the gladiators of the modern age," he said. "In the old times you had the gladiators there in a stadium full of people shouting and booing and putting their thumb up or thumb down. I think we are now in that situation.

"The good thing is people don't kill us, we are not dead afterwards. Maybe verbally, yes, but not in real life and that is a positive that we always have another go in the stadium again."

A.Wallace--EWJ

Paul George Scores 36 as Celtics Defeat Sixers 123-101 to Take East Lead

The Boston Celtics claimed first place in the Eastern Conference on Tuesday night, defeating the Philadelphia 76ers 123-101 at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Paul George led all scorers with 36 points in his return to Philadelphia, while a decisive third-quarter run extended Boston's lead and dropped the Sixers to second place.

Mets President David Stearns Expresses Confidence in Marcus Semien's Motivation

New York Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns has identified Marcus Semien’s self-motivation as the primary factor in his potential recovery from an underwhelming debut season. Speaking at the general managers meetings in Las Vegas, Stearns affirmed that the team remains confident in Semien’s ability to improve, even as they evaluate other infield options for next year.

FA Cup Second-Round Draw Confirmed for Non-League and Midlands Clubs

The FA Cup second-round draw has been finalized, setting up crucial ties for non-league teams aiming to reach the third round proper. Several clubs from the Midlands, including Burton Albion and Kidderminster Harriers, have secured their next opponents following recent victories over lower-league opposition.

Panthers expected to begin 2027 NRL season away from new stadium

The new Penrith Stadium is expected to be ready in time for the opening round of the 2027 NRL season, but it’s still likely the Panthers is expected to be on the road for their early matches. There is no delay to the build of the new $309 million venue but there’s a lack of appetite for risk around weather delays through the summer.