Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers declared he had the right to express his emotions as he claimed the pursuit of unity was his main motivation as he provoked the reaction from some fans on Sunday.
Rodgers had argued that supporters chanting the name of target Kieran Tierney were disrespectful to fellow left-back Greg Taylor.
And after a 3-0 win over St Mirren, he called on fans to show their support, rather than negativity, when his players need to pass the ball back to change the point of their attack.
Ahead of Dundee United's visit on Wednesday, Rodgers described his comments as an “observation” rather than a demand.
“I think everyone has the right to express their emotions and feelings, and that was my feeling over the weekend,” he said.
“Listen, the Celtic support is a great support base, what they give to the team and how they support the team and how they travel with the team. So I'm not going to tell people what to sing.”
“But for me it's just that bigger picture around this period of matches in particular, where the pitches are a little bit lumpier than they normally would be and the game is maybe a little bit slower than what it normally can be. So that it is.” It's not always the players' fault. That's how it is sometimes.
“That support can really help the team in a very, very grueling period for us.
“I'm not going to beat around the bush when I talk about the bush. I'm experienced enough to say what I think and what I feel, but not in a derogatory way to anyone.
“Everything I put myself through to get back here, I'm so happy I came back here. I love my life and my work here. But it is also important to be able to say what I think.
“Sometimes you're paid not to speak your mind, but there are times when you have to. I'm at the stage in my career and life now where I don't have to bite my tongue.”
Rodgers, whose return to Celtic in the summer of 2023 was not welcomed by everyone, added: “I've mentioned it sporadically in my time here, just because I know what the strength of this club is when everything is together and that unity there is.
“And also what it feels like for the players to be there and get that great support.
“I can understand this after the Rangers game and having played even close to our level I can understand that little bit of concern and worry.
“But I think it's very, very important. My priority with the players is the level of performance. That comes from the training and it comes from the matches, and creating that atmosphere for players to thrive.”
“So that's all I have to do here, to get the best out of myself and be the best I can be for Celtic in my time here, however long that is. And of course I will stand up for that.
“And once the time is up, I can take a step back, wait for the next manager to come in, support him and look forward to 95 minutes of 60 games of high-intensity football. And I will be very happy.”
When it was put to Rodgers that some Celtic fans claimed their praise for Tierney was not intended to disrespect Taylor, the manager said: “Listen, I said it before and I'll say it again: everyone has an opinion. Everyone has an emotion. People can say what they think, and that's okay.”
Taylor, who was treated for a blow to the nose immediately after the match, is still in the middle of a contract impasse with Celtic as his deal expires at the end of the season.
Rodgers said: “For me he's a committed Celtic. He's been at Celtic for almost six years. I think if he plays [on Wednesday]it's 200 games as a Celtic player, which is a lot of games. He is a brilliant servant and I hope he can continue to be so during my time here and beyond.
“I think you can see from his level of performance, his concentration and his dedication to the team and to the club that is always there.
“There's always a little background for every player and manager, but he handles that very well.”
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