Following Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers’ comments about Matchday officials, former Celtic defender Peter Grant has come out swinging, warning of the potential consequences if Rodgers is barred from the touchline for the highly anticipated derby against Rangers.
Rodgers is currently being investigated by the Scottish FA’s disciplinary tribunal for his strong criticism of referee Don Robertson and VAR John Beaton during Celtic’s 2-0 defeat to Hearts. Rodgers now finds himself in a delicate situation, with a potential minimum two-game punishment hanging over his head after describing the officials’ performances as ‘incompetent’. Such a penalty would keep him out of the dugout for crucial road games against Livingston and Rangers.
Speaking on Go Radio’s Football Show, Grant expressed his concerns about the implications of a ban for Rodgers, especially with the timing coinciding with the fiery Celtic-Rangers match at Ibrox. “Let me tell you, if he misses the Celtic-Rangers game for whatever reason, you know what people are going to be saying then. You know it’s going to be making a mockery of Scottish football. You know the conspiracy theorists everybody talks about? That will be building up,” said Grant.
Despite the developing fury, Grant is anxious to dismiss any suggestion that the football authorities are deliberately targeting Celtic. “I don’t believe there is a conspiracy against Celtic. “I don’t think there’s a conspiracy against anyone,” he said.
Rodgers should have no cases to answer. He voiced frustration with the level of expertise with which VAR is employed. Since the Irishman’s comments, head of referees Crawford Allan has announced his resignation, albeit he will remain in the position as a lame duck until the summer.
Whatever way you slice it, any ban for Rodgers might be interpreted as Crawford settling scores on his way out. His comments were not out of line; it should be simple to end this.
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