IN THE BROX SEAT
Rodgers cleared for huge Old Firm clash
BRENDAN RODGERS will be in the Celtic dugout at Ibrox for next week’s Premiership Old Firm showdown.
The Hoops boss was sweating on a two-match ban for branding ref Don Robertson and VAR official John Beaton incompetent.
But Rodgers – backed by hot shot sports lawyer Nick De Marco – copped a one game punishment with another suspended at yesterday’s Hampden hearing.
The Irishman will now sit out Sunday’s league clash at Livingston but will be on the touchline for the big derby collision in Govan on April 7.
And he is also set to have skipper Callum Mcgregor and star man Reo Hatate on board as they pair put to return from injury.
Rodgers was dragged up in front of the beaks for controversial comments in the wake of Celtic’s 2-0 defeat to Hearts at Tynecastle last month.
The 51-year-old was left fuming at a VAR red card flashpoint involving Yang Hyun-jun and then a debatable penalty awarded to the Jambos for a handball against Tomoki Iwata.
Rodgers let rip in post-match interviews and faced action with strict rules over questioning the competence of officials.
Celtic were determined to fight their corner however the Hoops legal team highlighted numerous instances of other Premiership managers calling VAR into question that have gone unpunished.
Hoops chiefs accepted the rap but admitted they were unhappy
at the ban and will keep pushing for VAR improvement.
A statement last night said: “Clearly, we are disappointed with the outcome although we will accept the panel’s decision.
“The manager appeared at the hearing, and his defence was presented robustly and thoroughly.
“Like many other clubs, we will continue to press for the highest standards in relation to the VAR process in Scottish football.”
The Hoops gaffer will take it on the chin this weekend – but he is set to be boosted by the return of captain Mcgregor (inset).
And fellow star man Hatate is also pushing hard to be in the frame for Livi this weekend.
Rodgers is thrilled with the Old Firm reprieve but he won’t take his eyes off Livi on Sunday as he is determined to head to Ibrox with Celts top of the table.
He said: “Obviously with Livingston being at home and on the astroturf pitch, they’ll maybe be more accustomed to that. Whatever team David Martindale puts out, they are normally battling and working very, very hard.
“They are a big physical team that plays to their strengths and can play to their strengths well. Our focus is very much on playing in our rhythm and in our way. If we can do that, then we will be able to give the opposition more issues and more to think about.”