Brendan Rodgers Steps Down as Celtic Manager Amid Controversy

Celtic Football Club has announced the departure of manager Brendan Rodgers, marking the end of his second stint with the Glasgow giants after a 3-1 Scottish Premiership defeat to Hearts left them eight points behind the Edinburgh side. Rodgers' resignation comes as former manager Martin O'Neill and former player Shaun Maloney are set to take temporary charge of first-team matters, with the club stating that a permanent replacement is currently being sought.

Rodgers' exit follows a turbulent season for Celtic, who were eliminated from the Champions League by Kairat Almaty and struggled to maintain their dominance in domestic competitions. The 51-year-old manager, who previously led the club to league titles in 2024 and 2025 alongside cup victories, cited frustrations over the club's transfer strategy, saying the lack of resources made it impossible to compete at the highest level.

Dermot Desmond's scathing statement added further weight to the decision, with the club's majority shareholder accusing Rodgers of fostering a "toxic atmosphere" through his public comments. In an unusual address to supporters, Desmond criticized the manager's conduct, claiming his recent remarks about transfers and club operations were "untrue" and "divisive." He emphasized that Rodgers had been in regular communication with the board and had approved all signings and sales during his tenure, yet his actions "fuelled hostility" toward the executive team.

O'Neill's interim return signals a return to familiar faces at Parkhead, as the 63-year-old former Celtic manager steps in to stabilize the club. Maloney, a former player with deep ties to the club, will also assist in managing the squad during this transition. The club's statement praised Rodgers' contributions to its history but acknowledged the need for a "new era of harmony" following his departure.

Reactions from the football community have been mixed, with Sky Sports' Gordon Duncan calling the resignation a "massive shock" despite ongoing tensions between Rodgers and the board. Fans reportedly protested during a match against Dundee, delaying the game as frustration over the club's management decisions mounted. The fallout highlights the growing rift between the manager and the club's leadership, leaving Celtic to navigate a critical period ahead.