Celtic Majority Shareholder Criticizes Brendan Rodgers Amid Managerial Resignation and Club Turmoil

Brendan Rodgers shocked Celtic by resigning amid the club's struggles in the Scottish Premiership, with Celtic eight points behind leaders Hearts. Dermot Desmond, the majority shareholder, publicly criticized Rodgers as "divisive, misleading, and self-serving," accusing him of contributing to a toxic atmosphere and betraying trust, despite previously supporting contract renewal talks. Rodgers' return to Celtic in 2023 was marked by unfulfilled promises regarding transfers and club support, leading to tensions between him and the board over the quality and timing of player signings. Former Celtic star Chris Sutton noted a clear breakdown in Rodgers' relationship with club hierarchy, highlighting Rodgers' public criticism of the club's transfer strategy and feeling unsupported. In response to Rodgers' departure, Martin O'Neill was installed as interim manager, with speculation about a potential return of former manager Ange Postecoglou. Desmond's harsh public denunciation and O'Neill's return underscore the club's internal turmoil and uncertainty as they seek to stabilize the team.