Cerny water squirt showed ‘lack of respect’ – Rodgers

Vaclav Cerny’s Rangers winger, according to Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers, showed a lack of respect with his water-squirting celebrations in the Old Firm derby.

As he ran up the touchline following the goal, the Czech Republic international, who had been withdrawn five minutes before Hamza Igamane grabbed a late winner, aimed the contents of a bottle at home fans.

Rodgers said, “I fully understand the jubilation, and Rangers players have every right to celebrate with their supporters.”

You win a game of that magnitude, you win it, and you celebrate at Celtic Park, as it would happen at Ibrox. But not in that manner.”

Barry Ferguson, the interim manager of the Rangers, stated on Thursday that Cerny was “wee a little overexcited,” adding, “I have no issues with that.”

Rodgers made it abundantly clear that he would not support similar behavior.

He continued, “It’s respect, isn’t it? ” If a player squirts a water bottle in a supporter’s face while running up a touchline, I believe that’s a lack of respect. My players wouldn’t want them to do it, in my opinion.

Listen, it works both ways: players are receiving a lot from the fans, coaches, managers, and players as well.

“But I believe there is a line that we must cross, as a whole. It’s a very emotional game, and it’s a fantastic fixture. I think it was great to have the [away] fans back, because that added that extra bit.

The runaway league leaders’ 3-2 victory over Rangers at Celtic Park marked their first domestic home defeat of the season.

Rangers, who won the derby at Ibrox in January with a 3-0 lead, also had a second successive success.

We haven’t started well in either of those Rangers games, Rodgers continued.

I’m not sure whether it is a subconscious thing. 13 points and 16 points have been clarified.

“Whether that has a significant impact on how you play the game, or not, because our motto is always to start very quickly.

“But we didn’t,” and Rangers deserve praise for it. We had to respond after they had 2-0, and then they had to come back. However, we shouldn’t let the ball fall in that second half. It’s really that easy.

“The analysis is fairly simple, but I have to do better the next time,” he said.

Rodgers continued, “The outcome obviously disappointed us. I can’t help but think about the work this team has done this year.

We’ve been fantastic for a lot of the season, and we’re now 13 points clear.