In the aftermath of the 2022 UEFA Europa League final, where Rangers Football Club faced a narrow defeat against Eintracht Frankfurt, comments attributed to Brendan Rodgers, then-manager of Celtic FC, have sparked considerable debate. Rodgers reportedly made statements regarding Rangers’ performance and European campaign that some have labeled as “factually incorrect.”
The 2022 final, held at Estadio Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán in Seville, concluded with a 1-1 draw after extra time. Eintracht Frankfurt secured victory by winning 5–4 in the penalty shootout, marking their second UEFA Cup/Europa League title since 1980. This achievement also made them the first German side since Schalke 04 in 1997 to win the competition.
While specific details of Rodgers’ comments are not extensively documented in the available sources, it’s known that he has previously expressed views on the financial disparities between Scottish clubs and their European counterparts. For instance, former Rangers player Graeme Souness highlighted the economic challenges faced by Scottish teams in European competitions, noting the significant revenue differences compared to clubs from wealthier leagues.
Rodgers has also emphasized the importance of both Celtic and Rangers participating in European competitions for the benefit of Scottish football. He stated, “It’s important too for Scotland as a nation to have them in there with ourselves, and hopefully it proves that.”
However, without direct access to the exact remarks made by Rodgers regarding Rangers’ 2022 Europa League final loss, it’s challenging to assess the accuracy or context of the statements labeled as “factually incorrect.” It’s essential to consider the broader context in which such comments are made, especially given the intense rivalry between Celtic and Rangers, which often amplifies reactions to public statements from either side.
In the realm of Scottish football, where emotions run high and historical rivalries are deeply rooted, interpretations of comments can vary widely. Therefore, while discussions about Rodgers’ remarks continue, it’s crucial to approach them with an understanding of the complex dynamics at play.
