Brendan Rodgers spoke to the media this afternoon ahead of Sunday’s trip to Livingston and outlined his thoughts on yesterday Scottish FA disciplinary hearing where he was given a one match ban with another one match ban suspended until the end of the season.

Daniel Kelly speaks with Brendan Rodgers, Celtic v Dundee, 28 February 2024. Photo Mark Runnacles/Shutterstock

First touchline ban

Rodgers made the point that this was the first touchline ban of his entire career but will remain active in the stand at Livingston while having full trust in his coaching staff, with Assistant Manager John Kennedy taking charge in the dug-out.

Asked what he’d be doing Brendan said, ‘put it this way, I’ll not be playing golf.”

Captain will NOT be risked

Celtic’s Callum McGregor reacts during the UEFA Champions League match between Lazio and Celtic Glasgow at the Olympic stadium in Rome on November 28, 2023. Photo by FILIPPO MONTEFORTE/AFP via Getty Images

Asked about his squad for Sunday, Callum McGregor will NOT be risked but does stand a very good chance of playing at Ibrox and Yang has returned from international duty with a bit of tightness in his leg that means he’s likely to sit Sunday out too. McGregor is not being risked due to the plastic pitch.

Cameron Carter-Vickers and Reo Hatate are both fit and available for selection against Livingston.

Full Allocation should be restored

Celtic supporters celebrating winning at Ibrox in September 2019 – the place emptied after Jonny Hayes scored our second goal!

The Celtic manager spoke of his delight at the return of away fans at the Glasgow Derby, pointing out that this is an iconic fixture due to the players on the park and the supporters in the stands. So the 2500 supporters getting access to the away games at Ibrox is most welcome. However, when asked if Celtic wanted more, Brendan called for a return to the former full allocation with Celtic fans occupying the full Broomloan Road stand at Ibrox.

He pointed out that it was NOT Celtic that messed around with ticket allocations and called for a return to the way it was previously. Well said Brendan!