‘Celtic statement is most mental thing I’ve ever read days before Rangers showdown’
Rangers face Celtic in the Premier Sports Cup semi-final at Hampden Park on Sunday.
However, Brendan Rodgers‘ resignation on Monday night means that the must-win cup tie will be completely different.
Russell Martin was deservedly sacked by Rangers, whilst across Glasgow, Rodgers was unhappy with the lack of business in the transfer market.
As a result, the Hoops decided to change their manager, meaning that both Old Firm clubs will have undergone significant rebuilds this season.
Celtic release controversial club statement ahead of Rangers game.
Rodgers came under scrutiny this season for some of the performances and results in both Europe and the Scottish Premiership.
Whilst Rangers beat Kilmarnock 3-1 to give Danny Rohl his first win in charge on Sunday, Celtic‘s 3-1 loss to Hearts left their opponents eight points clear at the top of the table.
Majority shareholder Dermot Desmond released a controversial statement to address why Rodgers had decided to resign from the club.
In the statement, Desmond said:
- Rodgers’ conduct and communication was poor
- Claims all players that were signed had been approved by Rodgers
- Rodgers contributed to a toxic atmosphere around the club
David Edgar from the Heart & Hand podcast reacted to the statement and couldn’t believe some of the digs made towards Rodgers.
Celtic supporters were furious with Desmond after failing to explain the lack of business in the summer transfer window.
Rangers take on their arch-rivals in a must-win match on Sunday, and the announcement could bode well for Rohl, with a midweek set of Scottish Premiership fixtures to get through first.
Edgar wrote: “I am a Rangers fan. I have seen some wild statements from my football club over the years.
“But, this is genuinely the most mental club statement I have ever read.”
The Bears have a fantastic record against Celtic in recent times, having avoided defeat against their opponents for over a calendar year.
Rangers given advantage to beat managerless Celtic
Rangers and Celtic drew 0-0 in the last Old Firm derby, yet this meeting should be anything but boring.
Rohl’s appointment in Govan has been warmly received, and Gers supporters will be optimistic that they can secure victory against a Celtic side that are in a mess both on and off the pitch.
This represents a huge match in the Rohl era, and if he were to get Rangers to a cup final just four games into his reign by beating Celtic, then he would buy himself a lot of credit in the bank.
The Scottish giants have both faced unprecedented campaigns, and Rodgers’ departure means even more is on the line when the sides face off at Hampden.
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