Brendan Rodgers has hit back at Celtic fans who have been vocal in their criticism of his decision to leave for Leicester City.
Rodgers left the Scottish Champions to return to the Premier League last week in a move that enraged the Parkhead faithful. Banners unfolded at last week's Hearts tie described the former manager as a "fraud" while footage emerged of a disgraceful IRA chant allegedly sung by Celtic fans in an Edinburgh pub.
It prompted Celtic to release a statement admonishing the incident.
We have no knowledge of who these individuals are, or any connection they have to Celtic, but one thing is certain, such disgusting and pathetic behaviour would never have any place at our club and of course we condemn this completely.
As reported by the Herald Scotland, Brendan Rodgers has publicly admitted he is surprised by the response.
Of course, it takes you aback a wee bit. But the supporters are hurting and I understand that. It's a shame, of course, because from the moment I walked into Celtic I gave my life to the club. I put everything into the training and preparation of the team. A lot of the people wouldn't know that.
I haven't seen the video, but I had heard there was something. I don't want that to be my final feeling of being at Celtic, especially when it's your own. I don't want that to be the final measure of my work there. I gave much more than that.
I tend to focus more on the good side. Like I said, supporters will hurt and I get that. I understand that. That’s why I’ll never come out and kill them.
When asked how he would respond to supporters who have abused him, Rodgers gave a strong statement: "What the fuck are you doing? Bloody hell, I’m one of you. Okay, I made a career decision. It doesn’t make me any less of a Celt.
“I’m someone who turned up at half seven every morning of his life, was in there until all hours of the night, took over 60 games a season, preparing a team, changing a culture and a standard at a club, filling the support again."
It appears Rodgers decision to leave at a crucial part of the season is particularly irritating for Celtic fans. Speaking on BT Sport, Chris Sutton continued his criticism of the move.
"The bottom line is, if Brendan Rodgers is a Celtic fan and this is his dream job, just see it through until the end of the season. Nobody will have a problem with that. He has downsized, he has downgraded going to Leicester City and that is a fact. Celtic reserves are bigger than Leicester City!"
"Celtic reserves are BIGGER than Leicester City!"
Wow.@chris_sutton73 laying it ALL on the line ?#SaturdaySav pic.twitter.com/fm1zuHuSQm
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) March 2, 2019
