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As splits go, Monday night’s parting of Brendan Rodgers and Celtic was as bitter and spectacular as any rock band have managed. And unlike Mötley Crüe, Guns N’ Roses and the Gallaghers, there will be no reunion tour. Think The Smiths, with attendant wordy statements to reflect just how severed the alliance is. Rodgers’ departure was initially sold as him stepping away. “Celtic Football Club can confirm that football manager Brendan Rodgers has today tendered his resignation,” droned a club statement. “The Club appreciates Brendan’s contribution to Celtic during his two very successful periods at the Club.”
So far so normal, including the dismally unnecessary capitalisation of “Club” fully frowned upon by all respectable subeditors. Step forward Dermot Desmond, usually publicity-shy majority owner. “I want to acknowledge Brendan’s contribution,” was a gentle opener before firing up his flamethrower. “However, I must also express my deep disappointment at the way the past several months have unfolded.” Desmond went on: feel the heat of phrases like “not reflected that trust”, “simply untrue”, “absolutely false”, “the facts did not match his public narrative”, “toxic atmosphere”, “fuelled hostility”, “divisive” and the final headshot: “One individual’s desire for self-preservation at the expense of others.” Oof.
