Celtic manager Rodgers refused to apologise after being accused of casual sexism

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers refused to apologise after being accused of casual sexism for saying 'good girl' to BBC reporter Jane Lewis.

Speaking on Tuesday for the first time since his terse interview with Lewis, for which he was branded a 'dinosaur', Rodgers revealed he has spoken to the reporter and blamed society for the backlash.

He said: 'I've spoken to Jane and she wasn't offended, we had a laugh about it. She'll continue to ask me awkward questions I'm sure, but I see her every week. We've got good relations, like I have with most people in my life, whether that's professional or social.

'So I find it saddening as much as anything, I'm not that type of person, it's not who I am or how I'm built. But sadly for society now, people are just looking and trying to find ways to somehow bring you down if they can and that's not nice.'

On Tuesday, Lewis, 53, also broke her silence, saying: 'Clearly, the interview on Sunday has become a talking point. I don't believe there was any offence meant by Brendan Rodgers - and for my part, there was none taken.'

The 51-year-old Rodgers reiterated that he did not feel he was at fault and did not address the 'good girl' remark directly.

'Obviously sadly for me I think now in society, people are looking to find something that is offensive to try and pin onto people,' he continued.

'You guys up here, any journalist or reporter, I've always based my life on relationships so I've always offered a warmth, respect, being courteous and offered time to people. That will never change.

'Obviously when there was that little bit that was out there, or big bit, whatever it was, then I feel the need to address that. I deal with people in life, whether it's players, wanting them to become better,