BBC Scotland banned by Celtic for Brendan Rodgers conference

The 50-year-old, who previously managed the Glasgow club between 2017 and 2019, was officially confirmed as Ange Postecoglou’s successor earlier this week and faced the media for the first time on Friday afternoon.

BBC Scotland had no representatives at the event, and the organisation released a statement on Friday evening where it revealed it has contacted Celtic for an answer.

The statement read: “BBC Scotland has asked Celtic for comment on the decision to deny the BBC access to the media conference and is awaiting a response.”

During the media conference, Rodgers was grilled about the manner of his exit to Leicester City back in 2019 and the Northern Irishman hopes that any supporters that are still upset by that decision will be able to eventually forgive and forget.

“Hopefully in time I can give you feeling I gave you the first time,” Rodgers replied when asked what he would say to those fans who are unhappy with his appointment.

“I don't expect anything. If I get the support then that's great. For those who doubt, I've had it all my career and continue to work hard, hopefully producing a team that plays with commitment.”

When asked about the fans’ reaction to his departure in 2019, Rodgers insisted he has no regrets over his decision to join Leicester but did regret causing pain to loyal Celtic supporters.

“I would understand how fans would feel,” he explained. “Even when I was doing well I would have had critics. But it was an emotional time, the club was going for 10-in-a-row.

“I never get too emotional with words. The pressure is greater because of what we did first time around but I relish that.

“Hopefully I can prove that to those who don't want me here and shift their opinion. I hope I can still have that relationship with the fanbase.

“It was a sad moment when I left. I don't regret it but I regret the hurt it caused people. I understood what it meant.

“That was my regret - that I hurt people who were Celtic supporters.”