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Brendan Rodgers Stands By Adam Idah Amid Controversy

Celtic’s manager, Brendan Rodgers, has publicly supported striker Adam Idah following the emergence of a video that appeared to show the 24-year-old allegedly being sick in a taxi. The incident, which has been widely shared on social media, prompted Rodgers to address the situation and the scrutiny footballers often face.

In a recent statement, Rodgers disclosed that Idah reached out to him during the team’s day off to clarify the circumstances surrounding the video. The manager expressed confidence in Idah’s professionalism and was disappointed to learn that the young player was filmed after a night out.

“When you think about it, it’s quite tragic,” Rodgers stated. “A young professional can’t enjoy his downtime without someone trying to record him. It’s an unfortunate reality that young footballers must navigate today.” He emphasized that players should be able to relax away from the pitch without fear of being filmed or publicly shamed.

Rodgers added that he fully understood Idah’s situation and reiterated his belief in the striker’s capabilities as both a professional athlete and an individual. “I’ve heard the complete story from him, and I stand by my conviction that he is a commendable young professional,” he remarked.

Looking ahead, Celtic is set to face St Johnstone in the upcoming Scottish Cup semi-final, and Rodgers assured fans that Idah will be ready to contribute to the team. He highlighted that the environment surrounding professional athletes necessitates a level of caution, altering the way they interact with fans.

“Unfortunately, this is the current state of affairs,” Rodgers commented. “Fans might approach for autographs or videos, but incidents can arise where individuals might disrupt that interaction. This has caused many players to hesitate when it comes to engaging with fans, leading to frustration for both parties.” He lamented the negative impact this scrutiny has on players, noting that it ultimately affects their relationship with supporters.

“It’s a shame, especially since young fans look forward to those moments,” he continued. “Yet, the risks involved often lead players to distance themselves, which is disheartening.”

Rodgers concluded by stating that while the challenges faced by athletes may be tough, they must find ways to adapt and manage the pressures of their public lives.

Source
www.bbc.com