Brendan Rodgers praised Celtic supporters after the Hoops’ 3-0 win over Livingston this afternoon, as protests against the club’s board continued to grow.

His message followed another clear show of anger from the Green Brigade during the first half at Celtic Park.

Early in the match, a banner was raised in the standing section that read: “zero ambition, neglect team, rinse fans, world class Basic Board.”

The message reflected a mood that’s been building for some time, with tensions boiling over following Wednesday night’s 0-0 draw with Kairat Almaty in the Champions League.

The banner was quickly followed by chants of “sack the board,” though fans also sang “Celtic we love you” to show their backing for the players. The split in emotion was obvious, full support for the team, but anger aimed squarely at the boardroom.

As the protests continued in the stands, Rodgers took the chance after full-time to thank the supporters and highlight the team’s duty to deliver performances that give them something to believe in.

He said: (BBC Sport), “I think for a football club, that’s all why we do it.

“We do it first of all for our supporters. They come here, they pay their hard-earned money, travel up and down the country, planes, trains, automobiles, everything to be here to watch the team, the passion they have for the team.

“So we we play for the supporters first and foremost. But as as competitors, we want to win, but we want to play well. And so I think as a club it’s about performing, and the players have done that very well today.”

Rodgers’ message might not ease the growing anger around the Celtic board, but it shows he’s trying to stay connected with supporters during a difficult spell. The Green Brigade’s protests have become louder and more pointed in recent months, showing just how unhappy many fans are with how the club is being run.

On the park, Celtic were solid against Livingston and moved to the top of the league, giving fans something positive after a tough few days. Still, the banners and chants made it clear that the frustration from Wednesday night’s draw with Kairat hasn’t gone away.

Next up is a huge second leg in Kazakhstan on Tuesday, with a Champions League place on the line. While the team is still well in the tie, the off-field noise is starting to overshadow Celtic’s early-season progress.

Rodgers is trying to keep the fans onside, but the mood in the stands sends a strong message, there’s full support for the players, but real anger at those running the club.