Celtic boss Rodgers slams Rangers star Vaclav Cerny over Old Firm celebration

Brendan Rodgers accused Vaclav Cerny of lack of respect when he squirted Celtic fans with water while celebrating the deceased winner of Rangers in Parkhead.

Barry Ferguson stated this week that he had 'no problems' with the actions of the winger, but Rodgers claimed yesterday that he would not have been happy if one of his players had done the same thing.

Czech International Cerny is the subject of a police investigation into his behavior after jumping from the visiting bank and squirting supporters with water when Hamza Igamane delivered two minutes of the time in a 3-2 victory over a 3-2 victory.

Rangers-Interim boss Ferguson appealed to the fall-out of the game and defended the behavior of his player and said he was 'just too much'.

Asked if he would have had a problem if one of his own players had behaved in such a way, Rodgers replied: 'Yes, I would, yes. It's respect, right?

'I think it is a lack of respect if a player rises a touchline in one way or another and he squirts a water bottle in the face of a supporter. I certainly didn't want my players to do it. '

Rodgers was asked if there was a potential safety problem with such behavior.

The Celtic boss added: 'Yes, and in general, and this game is in which we are involved, they do (worn). That is its reality.

'And, listen, it works both sides. A lot also comes in players, from the stands to coaches, managers and players.

'But I think we all know that there is a line that we should not exceed. Like I said, it's a very emotional game, a great game, and I thought it was great to have the (away) fans in it again. I think that also gave that extra bit.

'But I just think there are lines that we cannot oppose, because in this fixture that can in particular lead to a problem.

'I understand the cheers, and Rangers players have the right to celebrate with their supporters.

'You come to Celtic Park as it would be if we went to Ibrox. You win a game of that size, you celebrate. But not that way. '

Rodgers is looking for his side to leave that defeat behind when they organize hearts in Parkhead today.

The Celtic manager will have to do without Kasper Schmeichel after the goalkeeper injured his shoulder in the quarterfinals loss of Denmark in Portugal in midweek.

Although Celtic is still waiting to learn the full extent of the damage, Rodgers is not sure if the 38-year-old will play again this season.

“I don't know,” he was full. 'I'm just waiting to hear on the scan. So I know nothing more than that.

“He clearly has some problems with his shoulder. He is clearly disappointed that they have lost their second game. But in general he is okay. '

Despite saving a Cristiano Ronaldo -Penalty, Schmeichel's display in Lisbon was serious criticism of his fitness in the Danish media, some of which led to complaints from the country's union.

“Everything I know is the reason I brought him here, know him so well, is because he is still a top -class keeper,” Rodgers said.

'If you look at his performance level for us during the season, he has been absolutely brilliant. He has done large versions in large games. And for me he still has that hunger and that desire to play.

'If criticism comes as a coach, manager, player, it is sometimes not civil. Sometimes it is unfortunately personal. But I know his character and mentality, and I know how determined he will be to come back. '

Rodgers does not doubt that Viljami Sinisalo will take on the challenge of deputy for Schmeichel, with the 23-year-old Finn who only makes his second competitive appearance since he has been joining Aston Villa when he visits hearts.

“He is a very talented young keeper,” added the Celtic manager. “That's why we brought him here. He had a very, very good preseason. He has been excellent in training and I have seen him grow and develop it.

'But of course, with every player, it is when you are in the arena, that is when you are measured and when you are assessed. But I have no trouble putting him in. '

Rodgers welcomes Callum McGregor, Paulo Bernardo, James Forrest and Auston Trusty, with Liam Scales that approaches his return after the injury.

“Scalesy trains individually, but he probably won't be ready,” said Rodgers. “Because of his operation, he can't play until he leads to Kilmarnock (in Celtic Park on April 12).”

The manager is also hopeful that Daizzen Maeda will work for a newly improved contract.

The 27-year-old looks a favorite to create the Individual Player Awards of this season that have scored 28 times.

The club is bound to Celtic and hopes to convince the former Yokohama F. Marinos to donate a new deal.

Rodgers said: 'I spoke with Dermot (Desmond) and the club and spoke with the player and hopefully in the future that is something that can be done.

'He is absolutely brilliant for us this season, wherever he played, no matter how he played. He had a great season.

'So of course you would like to tie one of your best players. He doesn't give much away, other than saying that he is very happy.

'He earns every cent and we feel as a club that he deserves more. So we want to do that, but of course it has to work in both sides.

'I am also in no illusions here that there are few players who are going to do what Callum McGregor does, and have a lifetime here – the same with James Forrest.

'Some players, especially these players who come from other parts of the world, they can have a change and it has nothing to do with Celtic or the club or the support, it's just life.

'But all I can do is judge when he is here, he has been brilliant here, he still had a good contract with the club here.

“But of course there have been chats to improve that for him, because he grew here in one of the top players.”

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