Celtic medal snub revealed as former boss makes 'no contact' claim after Hearts win

Rodgers, 53, took charge of the first nine league games of Celtic’s season before sensationally resigning from his role as manager following a 3-1 defeat by Hearts at Tynecastle in October. His departure resulted in principal shareholder Dermot Desmond delivering a withering statement in which he accused the former head coach of being “misleading, divisive and self-serving” in his final weeks at Parkhead.

“When we brought Brendan back to Celtic two years ago, it was done with complete trust and belief in his ability to lead the club into a new era of sustained success. Unfortunately, his conduct and communication in recent months have not reflected that trust,” added Desmond, before claiming Rodgers was told in June the club were keen to offer him a new contract despite Rodgers implying that this wasn’t the case.

His departure led to months of tumult in the dugout, with Rodgers temporarily replaced by Martin O’Neill, before the club appointed Wilfried Nancy in January. However, the Frenchman was dismissed just 33 days into his reign after losing five of his seven games in charge, with 74-year-old O’Neill returning to the post until the end of the campaign.

Despite the fallout between Rodgers and the Celtic board, both he and fellow former boss Nancy are eligible for a Scottish Premiership winners medal after O’Neill went on to lead the team to a fifth successive title by beating Hearts 3-1 on a dramatic final day at Parkhead last Saturday.

As per SPFL regulations, the club are presented with 25 medals to distribute among players and staff who have played a part in the season’s title success, while Celtic can also make a request to the league for additional medals, subject to approval. Meaning the Glasgow giants would be able to rewarded the trio of managers who have taken charge this season, should they wish to do so.

Rodgers, who has won four league titles, three Scottish Cups and four Scottish League Cups during two spells at Celtic, claims that the club have not been in contact to discuss a medal presentation. The Northern Irishman, now in charge of Saudi Pro League outfit Al Qadsiah, was speaking ahead of his new side’s final game of the season against Al Ittihad and said: “No, Celtic have not contacted me at all about a medal.

“My focus is on trying to win the last game of the season. Our mentality will be the same as in the first game I managed. I want to thank the players for their efforts this season. Even if there isn't much motivation for the team, we will show the same urgency as usual because if we don't play with a winning mentality, the players will lose their focus."

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