LACK OF RESPECT: Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers slams Rangers star Vaclav Cerny over Old Firm celebration

Brendan Rodgers has accused Vaclav Cerny of lacking respect when he sprayed Celtic fans with water as he celebrated Rangers’ late winner at Parkhead.

Barry Ferguson insisted this week that he had ‘no issues’ with the winger’s actions, but Rodgers yesterday claimed he wouldn’t have been happy if one of his players had done the same.

Czech international Cerny is the subject of a police investigation into his conduct after he jumped from the visiting bench and squirted supporters with water when Hamza Igamane netted two minutes from time in a 3-2 victory a fortnight ago.

Addressing the fall-out from the game, Rangers interim boss Ferguson defended his player’s conduct and said he was ‘just over-excited’.

Asked if he would have had an issue if one of his own players had behaved in such a manner, Rodgers replied: ‘Yeah, I would, yeah. It’s respect, isn’t it?

‘I think it’s a lack of respect if somehow a player runs up a touchline and he’s squirting a water bottle in a supporter’s face. I certainly wouldn’t want my players to do it.’

Rodgers was asked if there was a potential safety issue with such behaviour.

The Celtic boss added: ‘Yeah, and in the main, and this game’s what we’ve been involved in, they do (behave). That’s the reality of it.

‘And, listen, it works both ways. A lot comes into players as well, from the stands to coaches, managers and players.

‘But I think we all know there’s a line that we shouldn’t cross. Like I said, it is a very emotive game, an amazing fixture, and I thought it was great to have the (away) fans back in. I think that gave it that extra bit as well.

‘But I just think there is lines we can’t antagonise because, in this fixture in particular, that can lead to an issue.

‘I understand the jubilation, and Rangers players have every right to celebrate with their supporters.

‘You come to Celtic Park like it would be when we go to Ibrox. You win a game of that magnitude, you celebrate. But not in that way.’

Rodgers is looking for his side to put that defeat behind them when they host Hearts at Parkhead today.

The Celtic manager will have to do without Kasper Schmeichel after the goalkeeper injured his shoulder in Denmark’s Nations League quarter-final loss to Portugal in midweek.

While Celtic are still waiting to learn the full extent of the damage, Rodgers isn’t yet sure if the 38-year-old will play again this season.

‘I don’t know,’ he insisted. ‘I’m just waiting to hear on the scan back. So, I don’t know any more than that.

‘He’s obviously got some issues with his shoulder. He’s obviously disappointed that they lost their second game. But, in the main, he’s okay.’

Despite saving a Cristiano Ronaldo penalty, Schmeichel’s display in Lisbon attracted severe criticism over his fitness in the Danish media, some of which led to complaints from the country’s players’ union.

‘All I know is the reason I brought him here, knowing him so well, is because he’s still a top-class keeper,’ said Rodgers.

‘If you look at his performance level for us over the course of the season, he’s been absolutely brilliant. In big games, he’s made big performances. And, for me, he still has that hunger and that desire to play.

‘When criticism comes as a coach, manager, player, sometimes it’s not civil. Sometimes, it’s personal, sadly. But I know his character and mentality, and I know how determined he’ll be to come back.’

Rodgers has no doubts that Viljami Sinisalo will rise to the challenge of deputising for Schmeichel, with the 23-year-old Finn set to make just his second competitive appearance since joining from Aston Villa when Hearts visit.

‘He’s a very talented young goalkeeper,’ added the Celtic manager. ‘That’s why we brought him here. He had a very, very good pre-season. He’s been outstanding in training and I’ve seen him grow and develop.

‘But, of course, with every player, it’s when you’re out in the arena, that’s when you’re measured and when you’re judged. But I’ve got no qualms with putting him in.’

Rodgers welcomes back Callum McGregor, Paulo Bernardo, James Forrest and Auston Trusty, with Liam Scales nearing his return after injury.

‘Scalesy is training individually, but he will probably not be ready,’ said Rodgers. ‘Because of his operation, he cannot play until leading into Kilmarnock (at Celtic Park on April 12).’

The manager is also hopeful that Daizen Maeda will commit to a new improved contract.

The 27-year-old looks favourite to scoop this season’s individual player awards having scored 28 times.

Tied to Celtic until 2027, the club are hoping to persuade the former Yokohama F. Marinos forward to pen a new deal.

Rodgers said: ‘I’ve spoken with Dermot (Desmond) and the club and spoken with the player and hopefully in the future that is something that can be done.

‘He’s been absolutely brilliant for us this season, wherever he’s played, however he’s played. He’s had an amazing season.

‘So, of course, you would love to tie up one of your best players. He doesn’t give away much, other than saying he’s very happy.

‘He earns every penny and we feel as a club he deserves more. So, we want to do that, but, of course, it has to work both ways.

‘I’m also under no illusions here that there are very few players that are going to do what Callum McGregor does, and have a lifetime here — the same with James Forrest.

‘Some players, especially these players that are from other parts of the world, they might fancy a change and it’s nothing to do with Celtic or the club or the support, it’s just life.

‘But all I can do is judge when he’s here, he’s been brilliant here, he’s still contracted well here to the club.

‘But, of course, there have been chats around improving that for him, because he’s grown into one of the top players here.’