Brendan Rodgers Slammed for 'Cowardly Act' at Celtic Just Weeks Before Exit

Brendan Rodgers came in for criticism for a 'cowardly act' at Celtic just weeks before resigning as head coach of the Scottish giants.

Rodgers resigned on Monday, October 27, following a 3-1 defeat to league leaders Hearts that left Celtic eight points adrift at the top of the Scottish Premiership.

In a letter to fans, major shareholder Dermot Desmond accused Rodgers of contributing to a toxic atmosphere at the club and of fuelling hostility towards the board.

Martin O'Neill has taken interim charge alongside former Celtic player Shaun Maloney, who was dismissed as Wigan manager in March.

O'Neill previously managed the club between 2000 and 2005, guiding them to three league titles, three Scottish Cups and a Scottish League Cup.

Now 73, having not managed since 2019, it remains to be seen whether he can still handle the pressures of leading Celtic.

Meanwhile, the club has begun its search for a new permanent manager, with Ange Postecoglou the early frontrunner, despite his disastrous time in charge at Nottingham Forest.

Brendan Rodgers after his final game in charge of Celtic. (Image: Getty)

Why was Brendan Rodgers slammed?

During his first spell at Celtic, the Northern Irishman was hugely popular, winning trebles in both of his full seasons.

But when he returned after his time at Leicester City, the bond with fans and the board was not the same.

Although Celtic have won the previous two league titles under his management, there has been disappointment in the domestic cups and in Europe.

According to the Daily Mail, the Scottish Sun's report claiming that Rodgers was stage-managing his exit to leave on his own terms before his contract expired next summer.

He was reportedly 'apoplectic,' describing the briefing as a 'cowardly act'.

Rodgers demanded it be investigated, but that never developed.

Brendan Rodgers. Image: Getty

What has Dermot Desmond said?

Celtic's struggles this season have come in both the Scottish Premiership and the UEFA Europa League, with Celtic 21st in Europe, with four points from three games.

Desmond wrote: “When we brought Brendan back to Celtic two years ago, it was done with complete trust and belief in his ability to lead the club into a new era of sustained success.

"Unfortunately, his conduct and communication in recent months have not reflected that trust.”

Rodgers has openly criticised the club's recruitment, and recently compared his squad to a Honda Civic following an away defeat to Dundee.

Desmond addressed these comments in his statement, saying: "Every player signed and every player sold during his tenure was done so with Brendan’s full knowledge, approval, and endorsement.

“Any insinuation otherwise is absolutely false.

“His later public statements about transfers and club operations came entirely out of the blue.”