Player abuse is disgraceful, says Rodgers

BRENDAN RODGERS has condemned the ‘disgraceful’ abuse being dished out to footballers in their everyday lives and called for firmer action against the perpetrators. The Celtic manager offered support to Scott Sinclair after the winger was subjected to verbal abuse in a Glasgow Airport lounge following last weekend’s 3-2 Old Firm win. Three men were barred from

boarding their flights but Police Scotland later confirmed no action would be taken. Rodgers also despaired at a video showing Rangers defender Russell Martin being targeted by sectarian comments in a supermarket and was further concerned by the Jamie Carragher furore. While insisting his former Liverpool player could have no excuse for the disgraceful spitting response that has seen him suspended by Sky Sports, Rodgers feels those who set out to provoke or intimidate should not escape punishment. Asked about Sinclair, the Parkhead boss said: ‘It is poor that sort of thing still happens — in a private lounge at the airport, as well. ‘I spoke to him about it and he’s okay. It’s not a nice thing to have to deal with. You are a footballer on the pitch, but you are also a human being, as well. ‘That doesn’t entitle people to come up and think they can have a go at you. I’ve felt for a long time something should be done about it.’ On Carragher, he added: ‘Jamie wouldn’t want anyone to defend him for his actions, that’s not right. I know him well enough to know there will be no one more remorseful than him. There’s no excuse, but I’ve had it myself when I’ve been goaded. You can be on a train and someone is being smart the whole journey. ‘You saw it the other week with (England rugby coach) Eddie Jones. Russell Martin as well. People shouldn’t have the right to say and do what they want. It’s disgraceful. People wonder why you are a bit cold, but you have to be wary in this day and age, with social media and everything that goes with it. ‘There’s no way people should get away with it. Look at Jamie’s situation, there’s a guy who is driving and endangering the life of his daughter. It’s absolutely nonsense. ‘Just because you are a player or a manager or someone in the public eye? ‘We all have responsibilities, we have to be role models, which is important. But there has to be a level of respect going the other way as well. I only hope something can be done to legislate, so it doesn’t keep happening.’ Meanwhile, Rodgers says Celtic will look to retain goalkeeper Scott Bain beyond the end of the season after his impressive debut in last weekend’s Old Firm win.