Rodgers reckons ref cost Parkhead side the game with red

FROM FRONT PAGE ball, but we carried a threat in our penetration.

It looked like we were going to get what we craved.

“I thought the referee took the game away from us. That was disappointing. I thought the players came together but I didn’t think it was a second yellow card. I thought it was a free-kick to us.

“The player has come on the blindside and made contact with Jeremy. That changed the dynamic of the game.

“I spoke to him just after the game. He said it was a definite sending-off. I thought it was really harsh. You just sensed we were building into the game and it was disappointing. That was a key moment that took the game away from us. It’s unfortunate.”

Rodgers was unstinting in his praise of his Celtic players and admitted their poor display in the first leg in Glasgow last week had been responsible for their exit.

“The bravery of the players was incredible,” he said.

“They kept going and they made chances.

They tired a little bit towards the end.

“The difference over the two games was that in the key moments in the game we haven’t defended so well. But overall I thought we were excellent, I was very proud of the team.”

“Our supporters will be very proud of the team, having that courage to come and play and force the game against a very good side.

“I said last week we started the game well, but if you make mistakes at this level you’ll get punished. Unfortunately for us, that’s what has cost us.

This is the second season in succession that Celtic have gone out of the Europa League at the last 32 stage, but Rodgers is adamant the Parkhead club are capable of going further despite having a smaller budget than their continental rivals.

“You are always looking to improve,” he said.

“It’s maybe difficult for us. But we can’t give up hope. You saw the team play very, very well tonight.

We have to look to qualify for European competition again next season and try to progress.”