Brendan Rodgers has revealed his "sadness" at the backlash to his interview with BBC journalist Jane Lewis after Celtic's recent 3-1 win over Motherwell.
The Parkhead boss has sparked outrage across the country after he called the reporter "a good girl" the end of an interview in which the 50-year-old was clearly frustrated at the line of questioning.
Rodgers blasted the narrative he feels has been written about his side so far this season.
When pushed to explain the meaning of his comment by experienced journalist Lewis, Rodgers refused stating: "No, no. You know exactly what I mean. No."
Lewis said: "Can you tell us anymore, you're the one who brought that up so can you not give us some more on it?"
And then Rodgers ended the conversation, saying: "Okay, are we done? Good girl, well done, cheers."
Calls have since come for Rodgers to apologise for the comment with "casual sexism" referenced in response to the manager's remarks.
READ MORE: Celtic 'monitoring' Turkey international as potential Hart replacement
Lewis herself has since gone on record to state she was not offended by the Northern Irishman's comments.
And now Rodgers has had his say. "Sadly, for me, in society now we are looking for something to be offended by or to pin onto people," he said.
"I think you guys, since I have been up here, and any other journalist or reporter, know that I have always based my life on relationships.
"I have always offered a warmth, respect, tried to be courteous and offered time to people. That will never change.
"I will address it because I’ve obviously been aware of it [recent backlash].
“Sadly for me in society now, we are looking for something to offend or something offensive to try and pin onto people.
"Obviously when there is that little bit or big bit or whatever it was then I feel I need to address it.
“I deal in people in life, whether it’s players and people in the media.
“I’ve spoken to Jane and she wasn’t offended. We had a laugh about it and she will continue to ask me awkward questions I’m sure.
“We have good relations, like I do with most people in my life."
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel