BRENDAN RODGERS has laughed off a theory from a section of Celtic fans who reckoned he was sending out a coded message to the board at Pittodrie on Sunday.
The champions won 2-0 with strikes from Benjamin Nygren and Reo Hatate, but one of the main talking points among some of the Hoops support was the fact the manager hadn’t beam wearing a tie as he patrolled the touchline.
Rodgers, of course, is usually booted and suited in the dug-out on match days, but the lack of neckwear was seen by some followers as a sign of disrespect.
One caller on a radio show insisted Rodgers’ missing tie was “alarming for every Celtic fan”.
TIE-BREAKER…Brendan Rodgers, without the neckwear, celebrates Celtic’s win at Pittodrie.
Rodgers’ contract expires at the end of the season and there has been speculation that he has no intention of signing an extension as he grows more and more frustrated with the Parkhead powerbrokers over the lack of quality signings in the current transfer window which closes at 7pm on Monday September 1.
Rodgers was quizzed on the conspiracy talk as he prepared his squad for the opening defence of the Premier Sports League Cup in the home tie against Falkirk tomorrow night.
The Irishman said: “Someone has told me this. I’m supposedly sending messages – it’s unbelievable!
“I’m basically like everyone else. See, when it’s really hot, you either take off your jacket or your tie.
“When it’s really cold, you wear a jumper. I remember last year I wore a jumper and people said ‘he’s sending a message.’
“What message? It’s bloody freezing! I had a jumper and my big coat on.”
GRIN AND TONIC…Brendan Rodgers is all smiles as he prepares for the visit of Falkirk tomorrow night. Image courtesy Celtic TV.
Rodgers, speaking to The Scottish Sun, continued: “There are two grounds – Pittodrie and Preston’s Deepdale – I’ve realised in my career that are absolutely boiling.
“I went to Deepdale once and I got absolutely roasted on the day. Pittodrie is the same, the sun hits you.
“So, I took my tie off, I don’t know what message that is – I was just warm.”
Asked if the tie would make an appearance for the Cup-tie, the Hoops gaffer added: “I’ll look at the temperature and it should be back on tomorrow.
“I’ve always been the shirt and tie man, my father always brought me up to be respectful.
“When he sent me on trial to clubs when I was younger, at 13 or 14, he’d send me away with a shirt and tie.
“From that, I’ve always represented him in respect level. So, it’s always shirt and tie where it can be.”
