Celtic make new behind-the-scenes hire in Brendan Rodgers update ahead of Rangers clash
Celtic have appointed the Lionel Messi of law Nick De Marco to represent Brendan Rodgers in an SFA hearing ahead of the Old Firm clash with Rangers, according to the Daily Record.
The newspaper reported on its website on Wednesday (27 March) that the Northern Irishman is currently facing a two-match ban for his outburst following the Hoops’ defeat to Hearts, which would see him miss the meeting with Philippe Clement’s side.
Rodgers will face the SFA at Hampden on Thursday (28 March) but will be represented by De Marco who has been dubbed the “football law version of Lionel Messi” by football finance expert Kieran Maguire.
De Marco played a role in Newcastle United’s takeover, Nottingham Forest’s battle against their point deduction and now will help Rodgers and Celtic attempt to earn a lesser punishment than the two-game touchline ban mooted.
Rangers face the Hoops on Sunday (7 April) at Ibrox in what could be a crucial title showdown ahead of the Scottish Premiership split.
Will Brendan Rodgers be in the Celtic dugout against Rangers?
While the Gers have been excellent since Clement arrived in Glasgow, they still haven’t been able to beat their Old Firm rivals this season and that simply has to change if they want to lift the Premiership title this season.
The Light Blues currently sit a single point behind Celtic, with a game in hand following the late postponement against Dundee before the March international break, so the next Old Firm meeting could well be crucial.
If Rodgers is stuck in the stands and unable to influence proceedings from the sidelines, it will be a boost for Clement’s side, particularly at Ibrox where the crowd will be behind them to help spur them along in the clash.
Hopefully, De Marco won’t be able to work his magic and Rodgers will be hit with the two-match ban that has already been touted, then it will be up to Clement and Rangers to make sure they take advantage of the situation and kick on.
There is still plenty of football to be played between now and the end of the season so this can’t quite be branded a must-win, but it is about as close as it can be.
In other Rangers news, Barry Ferguson has been left baffled by a new international development involving Jack Butland
For more Rangers news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.