Featured Image Credit: BBC
Topics: Brendan Rodgers, Celtic, Scottish Premiership, Football
Ryan Smart
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has broken his silence after making a comment towards a female reporter - who has now also posted a public statement.
The incident occurred following Celtic's 3-1 win over Motherwell, which took them level on points with Rangers at the top of the Scottish Premiership table.
The Bhoys went into half-time 1-0 down following Blair Spittal's 43rd-minute strike, but Adam Idah's equaliser restored parity.
Norwich loanee Idah then scored in the 94th minute of stoppage time to make it 2-1, before Honduran midfielder Luis Palma added some gloss to the scoreline two minutes later.
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After the game, former Leicester and Liverpool boss Rodgers was asked for his thoughts on the game by BBC Radio Scotland reporter Jane Lewis.
He said: "The win was important for us, psychologically and for our football.
"It was another game to convince that, when we play how we can play, then the goals and creativity will be there."
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But he then added: "So I'm delighted for the players because, like I've said, there's a story been written about this group. So we will write our own story."
Lewis then twice pressed for Rodgers to elaborate on what he meant by the 'there's a story been written' remark, but the Northern Irishman claimed the reporter knew 'exactly what I mean'.
And he finished the interview by snapping back: "No. Are we done? Good girl, well done."
Rodgers' 'good girl' remark attracted criticism from a number of women's campaign groups in Scotland, with For Women Scotland accusing him of 'casual sexism'.
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BBC posted video footage of the interview, which can be seen below.
On Tuesday, Lewis released a statement, which reads: "Clearly, the interview on Sunday has become a talking point.
"I don't believe there was any offence meant by Brendan Rodgers - and for my part, there was none taken."
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And in a pre-match press conference, Rodgers stated: "I've spoken to Jane and she wasn't offended, we had a laugh about it.
"She'll continue to ask me awkward questions I'm sure, but I see her every week. We've got good relations, like I have with most people in my life, whether that's professional or social.
"Obviously, sadly for me I think now in society, where people are looking to find something that is offensive to try and pin on to people.
"You guys up here, any journalist or reporter, I've always based my life on relationships so I've always offered a warmth, respect, being courteous and offered time to people. That will never change.
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"Obviously when there was that little bit that was out there, or big bit, whatever it was, then I feel the need to address that.
"I deal with people in life, whether it's players, wanting them to become better, people in the media."