Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has reacted to Diego Simeone’s apparent snub of a post-match handshake during Celtic’s 2-2 draw with Atletico Madrid.
Rodgers said he wasn’t bothered by the snub as he understands that customs around handshakes differ on the continent compared to Scotland.
In Scotland, offering a handshake after a game is seen as a sign of respect, and it is a common practice. However, Brendan Rodgers acknowledged that the tradition is not as prevalent in other parts of Europe, including Spain, where Atletico Madrid is based. He explained that this discrepancy in customs doesn’t concern him.
Rodgers emphasised that what truly matters is the performance on the pitch and the respect he has for Diego Simeone.
He believes that his team’s performance in the match would have left Atletico Madrid and their coaching staff impressed with Celtic’s quality and intensity.
Rodgers said:“In this country we’re very much around respect. You always hold out your hand. I know abroad they’re not so keen on it and they do their own thing. It doesn’t worry me,” as quoted by RecordSport.
“We probably surprised Atletico Madrid with our genuine quality and intensity so afterwards they would have gone back home and sat on the plane saying we were a good side. He’s a fantastic manager and he’s done great things with them so it doesn’t matter to me.”
A lot was made of the snub, but it’s clear it’s not been on Brendan Rodgers’ mind.
