Celtic Fallout: Rodgers and Desmond Clash in Public Feud Over Manager’s Departure"

A dramatic split between Brendan Rodgers and Celtic FC has intensified after major shareholder Dermot Desmond issued a scathing statement criticizing Rodgers' conduct following his resignation. The dispute centers on conflicting accounts of contract negotiations, transfer policies, and public statements. **

By Chris Posiano

October 29, 2025 at 2:01 AM

8,587 views

A high-profile battle is unfolding at Celtic FC after manager Brendan Rodgers resigned, only to be publicly criticized by major shareholder Dermot Desmond. On Monday, the club confirmed Rodgers’ departure before Desmond released a statement accusing the former manager of being untruthful about his contract situation and transfer dealings.

Desmond’s statement claimed Celtic had expressed interest in extending Rodgers’ contract in June, but the manager later suggested the club had made no commitment—a claim Desmond called “simply untrue.” Rodgers had previously stated he was “very happy” at Celtic but would wait for a formal offer before committing to a long-term stay. However, Desmond argues this contradicted private assurances.

Another point of contention involves transfer policies. Desmond insists all signings were made with Rodgers’ approval, yet Rodgers referred to some arrivals as “club signings,” implying he was not fully involved. This sparked speculation among fans and reportedly caused tension behind the scenes.

Desmond further accused Rodgers of creating a “toxic atmosphere” with “divisive” and “misleading” statements, which he claims fueled hostility toward club executives and their families. The Celtic board’s relationship with Rodgers had been deteriorating, culminating in his abrupt exit just 24 hours after he expressed commitment to improving the team’s form.

With Rodgers gone and John Kennedy serving as interim boss, Celtic has named former manager Martin O’Neill as the new caretaker, raising questions about the club’s future direction. Rodgers has yet to publicly respond to Desmond’s claims, leaving supporters eagerly awaiting his side of the story.

The fallout has already divided fans, with some backing Desmond’s stance while others question the board’s handling of the situation. As speculation grows over Rodgers’ next steps and Celtic’s leadership, one thing is clear: the split has left deep divisions at Paradise.

What’s next for Celtic? The club must now stabilize amid a contentious power struggle, with key decisions looming on transfers, managerial appointments, and rebuilding fan trust.