Brendan Rodgers has resigned as Celtic manager, effective immediately, a shock announcement that was swiftly followed by an extraordinary public condemnation from major shareholder Dermot Desmond.
The decision comes after a poor run of form, leaving Celtic eight points behind Hearts in the Scottish Premiership.
In a blistering statement, Desmond accused Rodgers of “divisive, misleading, and self-serving” behaviour.
He directly challenged the manager’s public claims about his contract and transfer issues, saying Rodgers’ assertion that he wasn’t offered an extension was “simply untrue.”
Desmond also insisted Rodgers had the final say on all transfers, concluding the manager’s actions had contributed to a “toxic atmosphere.”
Rodgers, 52, who won multiple titles across his two spells, will be replaced in the interim by legendary former boss Martin O’Neill, 73.
O’Neill, who led Celtic from 2000-2005, returns to the dugout after six years away from club management, assisted by former player Shaun Maloney.
