BRENDAN RODGERS has vigorously defended the Celtic support after accusations of racist abuse.
Aberdeen defender Shay Logan has made the astonishing claim he was on the end of taunts when he was sent off in the final match of last season – and now expects it when he goes to Parkhead.
The full-back has been embroiled in a long-running spat with Hoops fans going since his clash with striker Aleksandar Tonev, on loan from Aston Villa in 2014, who he reported for a racist slur.
The Bulgarian was later hit with a seven-game ban from the SFA.
This spilled over again in the final minutes of the campaign when Logan was sent off by ref Craig Thomson following the final whistle in the Dons’ 1-0 win after he squared up to Mikael Lustig and Dedryck Boyata.
He remonstrated with supporters as he was dragged down the tunnel by Pittodrie officials.
Asked if the abuse was racial, Logan replied: “There was, but I expect it now.
“There’s no crying or moaning about it. I deal with it, let them say whatever they want, we move on, there’s other games in the future.”
Champions’ boss Rodgers said: “It’s not something you would ever want to see anywhere.
“There’s been an ongoing thing with young Shay since an incident I was made aware of when I first came in.
“But the Celtic supporters were voted the best supporters in the world (FIFA poll). That says it all in terms of the ambiance at the stadium and how they behave themselves.
“It’s not something the Celtic supporters are ever renowned for. It’s a wonderful atmosphere at Celtic Park.”
Logan insisted he won’t be intimidated and added: “If you want to have a go at me for whatever reason, bring it on – I never did anything wrong.”
The Dons defender was clearly seen on TV booting the ball at grounded Hoops skipper Scott Brown during Celtic’s 2-0 win at Pittodrie in February.
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