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Brendan Rodgers ‘drops and fines’ Celtic player over ‘heated exchange’ as worrying details emerge
Tom Jenkins
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Rangers forward Vaclav Cerny is going viral for his outrageous touchline celebration, just moments after Hamza Igamane netted a late winner in Sunday’s dramatic Old Firm derby. It was an afternoon to remember for Barry Ferguson and his Rangers side, just days after they secured their place in the Europa League quarter-final with victory over Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce. The visitors went two goals ahead at Celtic Park through Nicolas Raskin and Mohamed Diamonde but after Diazen Maeda pulled one back for Celtic in the opening stages of the second-half, things took a turn. In fact, they levelled the scores with 74 minutes played as Japan international Reo Hatate slotted past Jack Butland with ease. But then, with two minutes of normal time remaining, substitute Hamza Igamane scored his 14th goal of the season as in-form Rangers clinched an unforgettable three points in Glasgow. Moments after Igamane ended a recent goal drought in the dying embers, Czech winger Vaclav Cerny could be seen squirting his water bottle at a section of Celtic supporters in the front row. As you can see from the post below, footage of the incident soon emerged on X, formerly Twitter, as fans reacted to Cerny’s animated celebrations. One said: “Vaclav Cerny sprayed Celtic fans with a water bottle after their goal,” and a second wrote: “Whatever it costs to sign Cerny. We will pay double.” A third wrote: “He’ll be lucky to finish their season now. Since when was this this appropriate from any professional?” A fourth said: “Top level s***housery…..should actively be encouraged in football,” and a fifth added: “Creased every time I see it. Could watch this on repeat all day.” Speaking in his post-match interview, Rangers boss Barry Ferguson was asked about the incident involving Cerny. “No, listen, I was just concentrating on celebrating and making sure we were getting back into our shape,” he told Sky Sports. “I didn’t see the incident if I’m honest.” Vaclav Cerny sprayed Celtic fans with a water bottle after their goal… 😅 After becoming the first Rangers manager since Walter Smith in 1991 to win at Celtic Park on his first attempt, Ferguson was full of praise for his players. “It’s a really good feeling coming to your fiercest rivals and deserving to win the game,” he said. “I just said to the players to go and enjoy the next couple of days because it’s been a long time, I think five years. But I think if you look at the game overall, we deserved it. “I thought in the first half, that was the game plan that we came with. I thought the boys stuck to it perfectly. The second half, you always know Celtic are going to come at you because the crowd is getting frustrated. “I thought Brendan would make a change or two and he certainly did that, and it made a different to the Celtic team. They obviously got back into the game at two each. “But then I take a step back and what I’ve been trying to drum into the boys is there’s more needed at Rangers than being a good player. It’s been labelled by you guys, everybody in the media about character, and that’s one of the things I stressed to them when I come in today.” Cerny has been one of Rangers’ standout performers under Ferguson. Image credit: Getty Ferguson added: “It takes a certain type to be a very good Rangers player. My group of players are certainly starting to show that.” Thoughts on the moment involving Cerny? Let us know in the comments.
2 weeks ago
Brendan Rodgers ‘drops and fines’ Celtic player over ‘heated exchange’ as worrying details emerge
Published 12:48 26 Mar 2025 GMT
One player felt the full wrath of the Northern Irish coach.
Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers was involved in an extremely heated exchange with one player after he arrived late to a pre-match team talk.
Since taking the job at Celtic, Rodgers has been a rather cool customer with the Northern Irishman always looking composed on the sidelines.
Following games Rodgers is often seen being extremely affectionate with his players by embracing them as they leave the field, however, behind the scenes he can be a very different character.
According to a recent report, Rodgers is an extremely strict disciplinarian, demanding nothing less than full commitment from his squad.
Scottish media outlet Daily Record have claimed Rodgers’ high expectations have led to multiple altercations, with Greg Taylor receiving his full wrath before the club’s clash with Rangers.
Taylor had arrived late for a crucial pre-match team talk at the Celtic training ground, prompting Rodgers to wait at the entrance while the rest of the squad were sat inside.
The Northern Irish coach reportedly slammed the door and shouted at the Scotsman on arrival, and consequently dropped him from the starting 11 to stamp his authority on the squad.
The report also states the defender was likely fined for his lack of punctuality.
Greg Taylor and Brendan Rodgers – Getty
This hasn’t been an isolated incident, with Taylor also turning up late back in October and November which also resulted in the 26-year-old being dropped.
Speaking in November following the second incident, Rodgers said: “When I say 13:30 hours, it is neither 13:29 hours nor 13:31 hours.
“Before the game, we have two or three meetings. It is very important that the players are there, and it is not difficult to arrive on time. It’s about respect for your colleagues.
“Arriving late, even by a minute, is a lack of respect for your teammates,” he added.
