Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has said he has been “saddened” by the reaction to his comments in a BBC interview which sparked accusations of sexism.
The BBC has aired video of Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers calling one of its reporters a “good girl”.
Rodgers, who is from Carnlough, has come under fire for his comments to BBC Scotland journalist Jane Lewis following Motherwell’s 3-1 victory at Fir Park on Sunday.
Celtic will face Dundee on Wednesday evening.
Speaking before of the game, Rodgers claimed that he spoke with Ms Lewis after the event and that the two “had a laugh” about it.
“Sadly for me, in society now we are either looking to offend or find something that is offensive to try and pin on to people,” he went on to say.
“It saddens me more than anything else because, for one thing, I am not that type of person; it is not in my nature. But it also made me sad for society, because people are just trying to pull you down in whatever way they can. It’s not pleasant.
“I have spoken with Jane. She was not offended. We laughed about it, and I am sure she will continue to ask me inappropriate questions.
“But I see her every week and we have good relations, like I have with most people in my life, whether that’s professional or social.”
Rodgers is seen stony-faced while speaking with the reporter, then smiling at her as he walks away.
Rodgers conducted a post-match interview and refused to clarify on a comment he made regarding a tale being spread about his players after Celtic received a much-needed boost to their chances of winning a third consecutive league championship.
While analyzing his team’s performance, the Co Antrim man responded to criticism by saying: “There’s a story being written about this group, but we’ll write our own story.”
Rodgers continually refused to elaborate on his response before cutting the conversation short.
“You know exactly what I mean,” he insisted.
Lewis said, “I’m not sure exactly what you mean. Could you tell us? People may be interested to know. “You’re the one bringing it up, so…”
Rodgers said “Okay, are we done” after being pushed again, adding “Well done, good girl, cheers.”
Ms Lewis has now stated that she did not feel Rodgers intended to upset her with the comment.
“Clearly, the interview from Sunday has become a talking point. “I don’t believe Brendan Rodgers intended any offense, and I took none,” she stated on Tuesday.
GB News anchor Eamonn Holmes defended Rodgers, stating that the word “good girl” is widely used in Northern Ireland.
“We say ‘good girl’ all the time,” explained the former This Morning host.
“We’re constantly told that it’s out of date. I can assure you that Northern Irish people will exclaim, “Good girl, good boy, good lad.”
A number of feminist groups have slammed Rodgers’ comments and requested him to apologize.
According to the Scottish Feminist Network, “The fact that condescension was the default attitude is pretty informative, but truly very disappointing in 2024. We assumed dinosaurs were extinct.
“Rodgers’ casual remark encourages other football fans to behave similarly, degrading women they work with or interact with.
“This has to stop.
“Jane Lewis was just doing her job, trying to extract an explanation from Brendan Rodgers on his cryptic comment.”
A spokesman for For Women Scotland stated, “It’s disheartening that casual misogyny is still prevalent in sport.
“Women’s accomplishments are underappreciated and ridiculed, and their professional stature is lowered. Rodgers owes the reporter an apology.”
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