Brendan Rodgers responds to controversy surrounding his ‘good girl’ comment.
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers says he has been “saddened” by the reaction to his comments in a BBC interview which sparked accusations of sexism.
Rodgers has faced criticism after saying “good girl” to a sports reporter following a terse interview.
Rodgers, who is from Carnlough in Co Antrim, made the comment to BBC Scotland journalist Jane Lewis after a 3-1 Hoops win at Motherwell on Sunday.
Celtic are set to face Dundee on Wednesday evening.
Prior to the game, Rodgers disclosed that he had a conversation with Ms. Lewis after the episode, during which they “had a laugh” about the altercation.
“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 stated.
“It saddens me more than anything else because, for starters, I am not that kind of person; I can never be that; it’s not my nature. However, it also made me feel sorry for society nowadays because everyone is just looking for any excuse to undermine you. It isn’t polite.
“Jane and I have spoken. It did not offend her. We laughed about it, and I’m sure she’ll keep asking me strange 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.”
In the video of the encounter, which was made public on Tuesday, Rodgers is seen interacting with the reporter with a stony expression before grinning at her and turning to leave.
Following the victory at Fir Park, Rodgers conducted a post-match interview that significantly increased Celtic’s chances of winning a third consecutive league title.
The Co Antrim man responded to criticism by stating, “There’s a story being written about this group, but we’ll write our own story,” while evaluating his team’s performance.
In his enigmatic remarks regarding “a story,” Rodgers twice declined to elaborate before cutting the journalist off.
He said, “You understand exactly what I mean.”
Lewis answered, “To be honest, I’m not really sure what you mean. Could you please inform us? People could be curious to find out. Since you’re the one bringing it up, let me explain.
Rodgers responded, “Okay, are we done,” after being shoved once more, and then he added, “Well done, good girl, cheers.”
Since then, Ms. Lewis has stated that she doesn’t think Rodgers intended to upset her with the remark.
“It’s obvious that the interview from Sunday has gained attention. Brendan Rodgers didn’t seem to be trying to offend anyone, and I didn’t take any offence either, she stated on Tuesday.
“We are admonished for it all the time because it’s not contemporary. I can honestly tell you that Northern Irish people will say ‘good girl, good boy, good lad.”
A number of feminist groups have condemned what Rodgers had to say and urged him to apologise.
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