BRENDAN RODGERS accused Vaclav Cerny of “a lack of respect” following his bizarre celebration after Hamza Igimane’s goal for the Ibrox visitors at Parkhead 12 days ago.
The on-loan Czech winger was caught on camera by Sky Sports as he squirted water at Celtic fans while racing along the touchline.
Cerny’s over-reaction to the 88th-minute strike that gave the Govan club a 3-2 victory is being examined by the SFA and Police Scotland.
CAUGHT ON CAMERA…Vaclav Cerny races behind Barry Ferguson as he squirts water into the faces of Celtic fans as he celebrates his side’s third goal. Image: Sky Sports.
It could have sparked scenes that we don’t need to see at the home of the champions and police and security had to move in quickly to make sure there was no reaction to the flashpoint incident.
Stand-in gaffer Barry Ferguson refused to criticise his out-of-control forward and made comments about his players being allowed to celebrate although he did have enough nous to say Cerny did get “over-excited”.
Rodgers, though, had a vastly different view on the blow-up that could see the Wolfsburg attacker banned for a couple of games, at least.
The Hoops gaffer, preparing his squad for tomorrow’s Premiership visit of Hearts, said: “I obviously heard what had happened and you can’t do that – that’s the reality.
“I understand the jubilation and Rangers players have every right to celebrate with their supporters.
WATERGATE…Brendan Rodgers gives his views on Vaclav Cerny’s bizarre goal celebrations at Parkhead. Image courtesy Celtic TV.
“You come to Celtic Park, like it would be if you go to Ibrox, and win a game of that magnitude you celebrate. But NOT in that way.
“It’s a lack of respect if a player runs up the touchline and squirts a water bottle in a supporter’s face. I certainly wouldn’t want my players to do that.”
Rodgers, speaking to Celtic TV, added: “There’s a line we shouldn’t cross.
“It’s a very emotive game, an amazing fixture and I thought it was great to have the fans back in. I think that gave it that extra bit, as well.
“But I just think there are lines we can’t antagonise because, in this fixture in particular, that can lead to an issue.”
SCHMEICHEL: RODGERS IN DARK OVER RECOVERY TIMELINE
