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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
National
Daniel Byron

BBC Scotland locked out of Celtic's unveiling of Brendan Rodgers

BBC Scotland has been locked out of Brendan Rodgers's first press conference since his return to Celtic.

The public broadcaster typically gets access for conferences and official media events like other outlets – but was barred from the Parkhead press room.

An opening note on the broadcaster's live blog, read: "Welcome to the live text on Brendan Rodgers’ return as Celtic manager – we’re following this on various feeds as the BBC have been denied access to the media conference."

It is not clear why the BBC were banned, they issued a later statement that read: “We’re sorry that Celtic did not allow us to access today’s media event. We are in discussions with the club in an effort to resolve the situation."

A spokesperson for Celtic said: “We have raised a number of issues with the broadcaster which have yet to be addressed."

During the media conference, Rodgers was grilled about the manner of his exit to Leicester City back in 2019. The Northern Irishman said he hopes that any supporters still upset by that decision will be able to eventually forgive and forget.

“Hopefully in time I can give you feeling I gave you the first time,” Rodgers replied.

“I don't expect anything. If I get the support then that's great. For those who doubt, I've had it all my career and continue to work hard, hopefully producing a team that plays with commitment.”

When asked about the fans’ reaction to his departure in 2019, Rodgers insisted he has no regrets over his decision to join Leicester but did regret causing pain to loyal Celtic supporters.

“I would understand how fans would feel,” he explained. “Even when I was doing well I would have had critics. But it was an emotional time, the club was going for 10-in-a-row.

“I never get too emotional with words. The pressure is greater because of what we did first time around but I relish that.

“Hopefully I can prove that to those who don't want me here and shift their opinion. I hope I can still have that relationship with the fanbase.

“It was a sad moment when I left. I don't regret it but I regret the hurt it caused people. I understood what it meant.

“That was my regret - that I hurt people who were Celtic supporters.”

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