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18th May 2024
04:56pm BST
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers thinks some of the criticism faced by him and his Celtic team overstepped the mark this season.
Earlier today, Celtic played out their final match of the season with a 3-2 home victory over St Mirren.
Much like the game itself, this season hasn't always been so straightforward for the Bhoys, with late winners often required to salvage wins from underwhelming performances.
A problem which led to what Rodgers described as "personal and professional" criticism festering throughout the season.
"Criticism is fine, it's all part of the game. It's when it becomes personal, that's when it oversteps the mark for me," explained the County Antrim man.
"Since the 26th of August, the headlines were negative."
Rodgers elaborated to reveal "I actually showed the guys today before we came here, the story created all season, the narrative and all the various people and all the various headlines."
"But I've always said that we write our own story. It's not only just a professional sport lesson, it's life. You will get mugged off, you will get criticised, but as long as you stick to your own storyline, you'll be okay."
Wise words from Rodgers, packed with the kind of resilience Celtic needed to show today. When St Mirren's Mark O'Hara scored after seven minutes, party mode was paused until fan favourite Matt O'Riley equalised in the 21st minute.
It was paused again in the 24th minute however, this time by an O'Hara penalty, but as the game unfolded, so too did the storyline the Hoops wanted.
A Kyogo goal put them back on track, and deep into the second half it was Luis Palma who found a roof-lifting winner with just minutes remaining.
Subbed on in the second half were Ireland internationals Liam Scales and Adam Idah, but subbed off was former England goalkeeper Joe Hart who was afforded the opportunity to wave goodbye to the Parkhead faithful for the final time.
Not a bad way to bow out.
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