Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has responded to criticism by women’s groups for making a seemingly sexist comment during a post-match interview.
The Scottish Feminist Network and For Women Scotland condemned Rodgers for referring to a journalist as a “good girl,” sparking a call for an apology.
The incident occurred after Celtic’s dramatic 3-1 victory over Motherwell at Fir Park on Sunday, during a BBC Sportsound interview with reporter Jane Lewis.
The tension arose when Lewis questioned Rodgers about the Cinch Premiership title race, where Glasgow rivals Rangers currently lead with a two-point advantage.
Rodgers responded, “There’s a story been [written] about this group, but we will write our own story.” When pressed to clarify, Rodgers insisted, “No, no, you know exactly what I mean.”
Lewis, however, expressed uncertainty, stating, “I’m actually not sure I do exactly know what you mean.” In a surprising conclusion to the interview,
Rodgers dismissed Lewis with a seemingly patronizing remark, saying, “Done, good girl, well done.”
The Scottish Feminist Network and For Women Scotland swiftly condemned Rodgers’ comment, labelling it as sexist and calling for an apology.
They argue that such “throwaway comments” have the potential to perpetuate a culture where others feel justified in demeaning women they work with or engage with.
🗣️ "I find it saddening as much as anything, because I'm not that type of person, I could never be that."
— Sky Sports Scotland (@ScotlandSky) February 27, 2024
Brendan Rodgers addresses criticism from campaigners after saying "good girl" to a reporter, who says she took no offence to the comments, following the win at Motherwell ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/TuxuPwr387
Brendan Rodgers speaking in a press conference earlier said:
“I will address it because I’ve been aware of it. Sadly, for me, in society now, we are either looking to offend or find something that is offensive to try to pin onto people,”
“I think any journalist or reporter, or anyone in media, I’ve always based my life on relationships, I’ve always offered a warmth, respect, being courteous, and giving time to people, and that will never change.
“So obviously when there was that little bit that was out there, or big bit, however it was, then of course I feel the need to address that.
“Like I said, I deal with people in life, whether players – relationships with them and wanting to make them better – or people in the media. I’ve spoken to Jane and she wasn’t offended. We had a laugh about it, she will continue to ask me awkward questions, I am sure. But I see her every week and we have good relations like I have with most people in my life, whether that’s professional or social.
“And the irony of it is, I shared with players not so long ago the story of Jessica Watson, the young woman of 16 years of age who travelled around the world solo on a boat – the documentary I watched was really inspiring. True Spirit it was called. I actually shared it with the players in terms the inspiration they can take of a woman of that age, what she’s been through and everything else.
“So I find it saddening as much as anything, because I’m not that type of person, I could never be that, it’s not how I’m built.
“But I’m also sad for society now, because people are looking and trying to find ways to somehow bring you down if you can. And it’s not nice.”
What are your thoughts on Brendan Rodgers’ response? Let us know on social media!
