Brendan Rodgers slams 'disrespectful' Celtic fans over Kieran Tierney chant

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Brendan Rodgers has hit out at Celtic fans who sang Kieran Tierney’s name amid reports the Arsenal defender will return to the Scottish giants.

Following Sunday’s 3-0 win over St. Mirren, Celtic have moved 13 points clear at the top of the table as they surge toward the Scottish Premiership title.

Near the end of the match, home supporters could be heard chanting for Tierney who has been tipped to move back to his boyhood club this January.

Having long fallen out of favour with Mikel Arteta, the 27-year-old is pushing to leave the Emirates as soon as possible and is keen on a return to Celtic Park, with the two clubs reportedly in talks over a deal.

Both Arteta and Rodgers are remaining coy on any transfer talk however, with the latter – visibly fed up with subject – saying he had no update to give.

‘He’s an Arsenal player so clearly I won’t speak about it,’ Rodgers told the BBC after the St. Mirren win.

But the Tierney chants left the Northern Irish manager seriously irate, claiming fans were being ungracious toward Celtic’s current left-back Greg Taylor.

‘There was a few things that I may have overheard at the end there. That's a total lack of respect. Of course there is,’ the former Liverpool and Leicester boss said when asked about the chants.

‘Greg Taylor, he’s 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. There’s lots of speculation, lots of names, but I wouldn’t add anything to it.’

Taylor himself has been linked with a move away from Celtic, with speculation only growing because of the Tierney rumours, but Rodgers wants him to stay put.

‘I’m not sure [if Taylor heard the chants], I haven’t spoken to him, but I don’t think he can miss it,’ he added.

‘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 that we’ll keep him.’

Celtic are next in action against Dundee United, while Tierney could make a rare – and potentially final – appearance for Arsenal when they play Newcastle in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday night.

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