Celtic's Rodgers dismisses Rangers talk of 'disrespect' ahead of Old Firm derby
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has brushed off suggestions that he showed disrespect towards Rangers as the fierce Glasgow rivals prepare for a potentially pivotal derby on Saturday.
Rodgers said after last week's 3-0 win against Hearts that his team could "have a bit of fun" against Rangers but stressed they would take nothing for granted in the title race.
Rangers, playing 24 hours later than Celtic, cut the gap to three points with a 4-1 win over Kilmarnock.
Rangers boss Philippe Clement, speaking after his team's victory, said: "That it is something that I would never say about an opponent. It's not really respectful towards my team."
Northern Irishman Rodgers was surprised by the Belgian's response, telling reporters on Friday: "I think anyone who was at my press conference would have sensed the way in which it was said. The reaction to that is totally without merit. It has no context whatsoever.
"You mention my past record in these games (Rodgers has an impressive winning record), I have never referred to these other than being intense, being competitive. We never talk about the game as that but we talk about the whole occasion."
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