On the back of a convincing three-nil victory over St Mirren last weekend, Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers called out his own fans for what he regarded as disrespectful booing of one of his players, left-back Greg Taylor. Complaints and booing of what some Celtic fans saw as slow play when the game was goalless was also heard in the early part of the game and it clearly got to the man in charge. He chose to call it out believing he and his players deserve more respect.
Read More: Andy Walker Exclusive Q & A Part One
Celtic Manager Brendan Rodgers Take on Own Fans Booing Players and Team
A huge favourite with the Celtic support is Kieran Tierney and Rodgers was unhappy to have heard his name sung during Sunday’s 3-0 Scottish Premiership win over St Mirren. The Celtic manager regarded it as disrespectful to his current left-back, Greg Taylor. Rodgers said: “There was a few things that I may have overheard at the end there. That’s a total lack of respect. Of course it is.
“Greg Taylor, he’s 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. There’s lots of speculation, lots of names, but I wouldn’t add anything to it.”
Not Impressed by Fans
He was also unimpressed by some sections of the Celtic Park crowd criticising the players for passing the ball backwards when the game was goalless, saying those who did it don’t understand the game. He said: “The challenge here itself is that I have a big respect for this group of players.
“Especially on a day like today, because when it was 0-0 for the first 20 minutes, and when we’d make a backward pass the crowd would be onto the team. That cannot happen. One, if you know about football, and two, if you can understand it when teams come here, they’re going to make it really difficult.
You can’t turn up every single week and be three, four up in 20 minutes. Teams are well organised, teams are well set up, you have to work the game. So sometimes you have to play a backward pass to change the point of attack. We make a backward pass, and then we go to the players, and that’s why I was proud of the players.”
Neither Rodgers nor Taylor joined in the usual lap of honour at the end of the game to applaud the fans.
People manage criticism in their own way, and some are more sensitive to criticism than others. Most would conclude there hasn’t been much to disapprove of since Rodgers return to the club he walked out on some years ago. At that time, the Celtic fans weren’t slow in their succinct message to someone who they felt betrayed them; “never a Celt, always a fraud.” I have always believed he’s a top-level coach, but I suppose not every Celtic supporter has the same view.
Dealing With Praise and Criticism
In my time at Celtic, I received the appreciation and adulation from the fans that you would expect when you’re part of a team that wins a league and cup double. On the other hand, you must be prepared for the inevitable criticism that follows when you’re part of a team that finishes fourth in the league and underachieves. Personal criticism also came my way, but I saw it as part of the deal of being a Celtic player. I played under two Celtic idols, Billy McNeill and Tommy Burns. Both said the same thing, the fans will adore you when you give them success but brace yourself for the backlash when you fail, it can be fierce. They were right.
Read More: Andy Walker Exclusive Q & A Part Two
Celtic Fans Used to Success
I must say, I found Rodgers timing of having a pop at his own supporters a bit strange given that Celtic won the game and extended their lead over Rangers at the top of the table to thirteen points. Put yourself in the shoes of the Rangers players this season; they have been booed regularly by their own fans. It’s what supporters do to show their displeasure or disapproval of the players’ efforts. Barring an almighty collapse, Brendan Rodgers will lead his team to their fourteenth title from the last fifteen available. He will feel that his twelve months of work through the last calendar year should be more appreciated after just two losses in that time, a truly remarkable achievement.
There is an argument that many Celtic supporters are so used to success that any defeat just cannot be justified. Rodgers is clearly looking for more understanding and appreciation of what his team are trying to achieve.
Rangers Defeat Behind Criticism from Fans
Greg Taylor has been a terrific player for Celtic but with the prospect of Kieran Tierney re-joining the club in this transfer window, I don’t think it was disrespectful of the Celtic fans to sing in praise of one of their favourite sons. It’s a hope and a dream of theirs that Tierney could once again be part of a successful side. Remember, this fan reaction came on the back of a shocking display at Ibrox when Celtic lost to a depleted Rangers side by three goals to nil, conceding twenty-four shots at goal in the process. The three-nil loss could have been much worse and there was always going to be a harsh reaction from some Celtic fans to that surprising defeat. I’m sure part of Rodgers outburst was aimed at those who criticised the Rangers defeat too much in his view.
I haven’t been to Celtic Park for some time, but I hear from family and friends that players like Taylor, Liam Scales and Reo Hatate have been on the receiving end of the whipping boys when they see slow or poor play. As every manager will tell you, fans can have a positive effect on the team when the score is nil-nil. They can give you the strength to find that extra yard and push you on when you think you have little to give.
Read More: Five Things Learned From Rangers vs Celtic
Booing From Fans Can Be Surprising
The booing of players can often take you by surprise. Harry Maguire and Jordan Henderson have been booed at Wembley by England fans, as was John Barnes in an England shirt before them. Gary MacAllister was hounded by Scotland fans and was the major factor in him deciding to end his international career after winning fifty-seven caps. I remember Kenny Dalglish and Charlie Nicholas returning to Celtic Park with Liverpool and Arsenal; both were booed despite the fantastic success they had at the club. Even now, I still can’t understand why Henrik Larsson was booed on his return with Barcelona to the ground where he enjoyed hero status. But if you pay your money, I suppose you are entitled to boo as well as cheer.
Fergus McCann, widely regarded as the main man to rescue Celtic in their financial hour of need, took to the field with captain Tom Boyd on the first day of the season to unfurl the championship flag. He was loudly booed at the time but having gone through four managers in his five years at the club, the fans wanted to be heard. He would get a different reception now I imagine given his part in building a wonderful stadium and putting Celtic back on the road to continual success.
