BRENDAN Rodgers, the Celtic manager, hit out last night at the conduct of Motherwell chief executive Alan Burrows and said his team had done their “talking on the pitch” after compounding the Fir Park side’s misery with a 5-1 Ladbrokes Premiership win in the club’s third meeting in eight days.
The Parkhead side benefited from a controversial penalty award in both last Sunday’s BetFred Cup final victory and Wednesday’s league draw at Fir Park but yesterday’s meeting in the East End of Glasgow proved a game too far for the Lanarkshire side. The Northern Irishman accused Burrows of questioning the honesty and integrity of his players and match officials Craig Thomson and Willie Collum.
“I understand Motherwell were hurting after the cup final and that over-spilled a bit into Wednesday,” said Rodgers. “But some of the nonsense that came out of their club this week was absolutely incredible. After the game on Wednesday we had the chief executive of Motherwell – a guy with senior authority – walking around with a laptop trying to demonstrate to the media that it wasn't a penalty. He was also in the press room doing it. Then later that evening he tweets about retaining class and dignity. But that's not behaviour that befits that.
“We've had three really good games and there's no problem with Stevie [Robinson] or Keith Lasley, they've done brilliantly and the matches were competitive. But for senior members of the club to do that I find it very disappointing. I respect the emotions but we've done our talking on the pitch. We should also support the two officials because they've been hammered for two decisions, which were soft penalties – but they were penalties.”
While yesterday’s result was a positive warm-up for Tuesday night’s crucial Europa League eliminator against Anderlecht – Celtic need only avoid a three-goal defeat to book continental action beyond Christmas – one setback was the revelation yesterday that Patrick Roberts’ hamstring tear could keep him out for up to three months. The England youth international has been sent back to Manchester City for assessment. Moussa Dembele should be available again after an ankle problem.
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