Brendan Rodgers Criticizes Cerny’s Celebration in Old Firm Derby

The latest Old Firm derby between Celtic and Rangers delivered drama both on and off the pitch. While Rangers’ dramatic 3-2 win at Celtic Park grabbed headlines, it was an incident involving Vaclav Cerny that sparked controversy.

The Rangers winger, who had been substituted five minutes before Hamza Igamane’s late winner, celebrated on the touchline by squirting water from a bottle toward home fans. His actions did not sit well with Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers, who criticized the Czech international for showing a “lack of respect” in such an intense fixture.

Rodgers: “There’s a Line That Shouldn’t Be Crossed”

Rodgers acknowledged that Rangers had every right to celebrate a crucial victory at Celtic Park but took issue with the manner in which Cerny did it.

“I understand the jubilation, and Rangers players have every right to celebrate with their supporters,” Rodgers said.
“You come to Celtic Park, just as we would when we go to Ibrox, and if you win a game of that magnitude, of course, you celebrate. But not in that way.”

Rodgers emphasized that while football is an emotional game, there should still be a level of respect between players and fans.

“It’s respect, isn’t it?” he continued. “I think it’s a lack of respect if a player runs up the touchline and squirts a water bottle in a supporter’s face. I certainly wouldn’t want my players to do it.”

Rodgers also pointed out that players, coaches, and managers are often on the receiving end of intense emotions from the stands. However, he stressed that certain lines should not be crossed, particularly in a fixture as heated as the Old Firm.

“This is a very emotive game, an amazing fixture. It was great to have the away fans back in—it gave the match that extra bit of energy. But we must be careful not to antagonize situations because, in this fixture especially, it can lead to bigger issues.”

Ferguson Plays Down the Incident

Brendan Rodgers labels Vaclav Cerny disrespectful over water-squirting antics

Despite Rodgers’ criticism, Rangers interim boss Barry Ferguson had a more relaxed stance on the matter.

“Cerny got a wee bit over-excited,” Ferguson admitted. “I have no issues with that.”

Ferguson’s response suggests that Rangers are not dwelling on the incident, instead focusing on the significance of their second successive derby victory.

Rangers’ Back-to-Back Derby Wins Tighten the Title Race

Rangers End Celtic’s Home Dominance

Rangers’ 3-2 win at Celtic Park marked Celtic’s first domestic home defeat of the season and was another statement victory for Ferguson’s side, who had already beaten Celtic 3-0 at Ibrox in January.

For Celtic, the defeat was frustrating, especially after a spirited second-half comeback that saw them draw level before conceding late.

“In both of those Rangers games, we haven’t started well at all,” Rodgers admitted.
“Whether it’s subconscious, I’m not sure. We’ve been 13 points clear, then 16 points clear. Maybe that does affect how we enter the game… It shouldn’t, because our mantra is always to start very quickly.”

Celtic’s Second-Half Collapse

Rodgers was particularly disappointed with how his team failed to close out the match after clawing back from 2-0 down.

“We shouldn’t lose that game from that second-half position. It’s as simple as that.”

Despite the setback, he urged fans to keep faith in the team, reminding them of the dominant season Celtic have had.

“We were obviously disappointed with the result, but I can’t forget what this team has achieved this season. We’ve been tremendous for large parts of it, and we still sit 13 points clear.”

Title Still in Celtic’s Hands

Vaclav Cerny water squirt showed ‘lack of respect’ – Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers

With eight league games remaining and the possibility of a Scottish Cup final, Rodgers remains confident that his team is in a strong position.

“We’re in a really good place. Now, it’s my responsibility to make sure we are better next time.”

While the Old Firm rivalry remains as fiery as ever, Celtic fans will be hoping that their team regains control of the title race and avoids further stumbles in the final stretch of the season.