Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers slammed fans for chanting Kieran Tierney’s name during their 3-0 win over St Mirren, calling it disrespectful to Greg Taylor.
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has criticised sections of the club’s fanbase for chanting the name of former star Kieran Tierney during their 3-0 win against St Mirren on Sunday.
The chants came amid mounting speculation that Tierney, currently at Arsenal, is close to rejoining the Scottish champions on loan in January before signing a three-year deal this summer.
Rodgers expressed disappointment with the timing of the chants, calling them disrespectful to current left-back Greg Taylor, who played in the match. “There was a few things that I may have overheard at the end there. That’s a total lack of respect,” Rodgers said.
“Greg Taylor has been absolutely amazing at this club. How does he feel? He nearly breaks his nose, bleeding for the club, for a cause.
“It’s not very respectful. You sing for another player, no matter what Kieran’s history is. I don’t like that.”
Rodgers made clear his intention to keep Taylor, whose contract expires at the end of the season, saying, “He’s a young player who’s given so much to this club over a number of years, consistently. His ability, what he’s done for the club. So that needs to be explored. He may decide to go elsewhere.
“But at this moment in time, he’s here, he’s very much a Celtic player, and we want to support that. Hopefully we can keep him here because we’re trying to build a strong squad.
“I’m not sure (if he heard the chants), I haven’t spoken to him, but I don’t think he can miss it. But what I know is every single day of his life it’s up to him.
“He’s there for the team, he stands up and be counted. The next mistake, he goes again.
“I get a greater appreciation even now, working with him closely. I’m really hopeful we’ll keep him.”
Speculation about Tierney’s return has dominated Celtic headlines, with the 27-year-old Scotland international poised to leave Arsenal after struggling for game time.
Tierney has appeared just once this season under Mikel Arteta and is reportedly willing to take more than a 50% pay cut to rejoin his boyhood club. His return is seen as a key move for Celtic, especially following their derby defeat to Rangers, which exposed defensive frailties.
Rodgers, however, refused to comment on Tierney directly, saying, “There’s speculation, lots of names, but I wouldn’t add anything to it.”
Meanwhile, Celtic seem to be actively restructuring their defensive lineup, with talks ongoing regarding Taylor’s future and a potential move for Barcelona loanee Alex Valle, alongside the expected sale of Alexandro Bernabei to Internacional.
Tierney’s emotional return to Celtic Park would mark a significant moment in his career, closing a chapter with Arsenal that began in 2019 when he joined the Gunners for £25 million.
While injuries have limited his impact in London, Tierney remains a fan favourite and could provide Celtic with the reinforcement they need as they aim for another domestic treble.