Express. Home of the Daily and Sunday Express.
Brendan Rodgers blasted a 'dinosaur' for his 'casual sexism' after Celtic win
Brendan Rodgers has been slammed for comments he made to the BBC's Jane Lewis after Celtic beat Motherwell.
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has been called a ‘dinosaur’ and been told that he should apologise for ‘casual sexism’ aimed at BBC Radio Scotland reporter Jane Lewis. A prickly Rodgers has been slammed for ending an interview prematurely by saying ‘good girl’ to Lewis.
Rodgers had just seen his side score two late goals to overcome Motherwell in the Scottish Premiership. A 3-1 victory, sealed thanks to added-time strikes by Adam Idah and Luis Palma, ensured Celtic remain only two points behind league leaders Rangers.
The Northern Irishman cryptically suggested that a predetermined ‘story’ was being written about Celtic. He is frustrated that there have been question marks over his squad’s resolve to retain the Scottish Premiership title.
Rodgers said Celtic will “write our own story”. Lewis, an experienced broadcaster, asked the former Liverpool and Leicester head coach to unpack his thoughts, but he subsequently refused.
“No, no, no,” Rodgers insisted before saying: "You know exactly what I mean."
"I'm actually not sure exactly what you mean," Lewis responded. "Can you tell us? People might be interested to know. You're the one that's bringing it up so..."
“… good girl.”
— Kerrydale Meltdown (@KerryFail) February 25, 2024
Brendan Rodgers. pic.twitter.com/ARv9vhp2RG
The 51-year-old did not allow Lewis to finish her point before walking away, adding: “Okay? Done. Well done, good girl. Cheers.”
Women’s rights groups have condemned Rodgers for his comments. Scottish Feminist Network said: “Jane Lewis was just doing her job, trying to extract an explanation from Brendan Rodgers on his cryptic comment.
“That the go-to attitude was condescension is quite illuminating, but really very depressing in 2024. We thought dinosaurs were extinct.”
For Women Scotland have called on Rodgers to apologise and say his comments represent ‘casual sexism’.
DON'T MISS...
Kevin De Bruyne 'hatched retirement plan' before Saudi offer as stance emerges
Man Utd 'bring part of Old Trafford to London' as Ratcliffe thinks outside box
Man Utd must learn from Liverpool as Sir Jim Ratcliffe sets ambitious target
A spokeswoman said: "It's depressing that casual sexism is still embedded in sport. Women's achievements are underrated and dismissed, and their professional status undermined. Rodgers owes the reporter an apology.”
Veteran broadcaster Jeff Stelling wants Rodgers to expand on what ‘good girl’ means. Speaking on his TalkSPORT show, the former Sky Sports presenter said: “Good girl, good girl? Goodness me, Brendan. What does he mean?”
Lewis has not responded publicly to Rodgers’ comments but the Daily Mail report that she is unfazed. She has enjoyed a lengthy career in sports broadcasting, working for the BBC, Sky News, Eurosport and STV's Scotland Today programme. Lewis has also covered an Olympics and two Commonwealth Games.