
Football
Share
Published 16:56 18 May 2024 BST
Updated 16:56 18 May 2024 BST

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers thinks some of the criticism faced by him and his Celtic team overstepped the mark this season.
Earlier today, Celtic played out their final match of the season with a 3-2 home victory over St Mirren.
Much like the game itself, this season hasn't always been so straightforward for the Bhoys, with late winners often required to salvage wins from underwhelming performances.
A problem which led to what Rodgers described as "personal and professional" criticism festering throughout the season.
"Criticism is fine, it's all part of the game. It's when it becomes personal, that's when it oversteps the mark for me," explained the County Antrim man.
"Since the 26th of August, the headlines were negative."
Rodgers elaborated to reveal "I actually showed the guys today before we came here, the story created all season, the narrative and all the various people and all the various headlines."
"But I've always said that we write our own story. It's not only just a professional sport lesson, it's life. You will get mugged off, you will get criticised, but as long as you stick to your own storyline, you'll be okay."
Wise words from Rodgers, packed with the kind of resilience Celtic needed to show today. When St Mirren's Mark O'Hara scored after seven minutes, party mode was paused until fan favourite Matt O'Riley equalised in the 21st minute.
It was paused again in the 24th minute however, this time by an O'Hara penalty, but as the game unfolded, so too did the storyline the Hoops wanted.
A Kyogo goal put them back on track, and deep into the second half it was Luis Palma who found a roof-lifting winner with just minutes remaining.
Subbed on in the second half were Ireland internationals Liam Scales and Adam Idah, but subbed off was former England goalkeeper Joe Hart who was afforded the opportunity to wave goodbye to the Parkhead faithful for the final time.
Not a bad way to bow out.
Explore more on these topics:

AC Milan and Italy legend Franco Baresi dies aged 66
One of the greatest to ever do it AC Milan and Italy legend Franco Baresi has died aged 66, it has been confirmed. Widely considered as one of the greatest to ever grace football, Baresi enjoyed a storied career in the beautiful game. The Italian defender’s death was announced by his former club AC Milan […]
Football
1 day ago
We asked AI to predict the full 2026/27 Premier League season – Here’s who wins
The supercomputer has spoken! With the World Cup done and dusted, and England’s next shot at glory now at least two years away, there is only one date in every football fan’s calendar, Friday 21st August – that glorious day when the Premier League season final gets back underway. In the three weeks or so […]
Football
2 days ago
Kevin Keegan has died aged 75
Football