Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers believes that it is "sad for society" that people want to "bring him down" amid backlash over his "good girl" remark at a female reporter in an interview on Sunday.
Rodgers was accused of "casual sexism" by campaigners at For Women Scotland for his comment made to BBC journalist Jane Lewis in a post-match interview following Celtic's 3-1 victory at Motherwell in the Scottish Premiership.
The comment came about after Rodgers appeared unhappy with Lewis questioning him about the impact of the Premiership title race on his Celtic squad.
"The story has already been written about this group, but we will write our own story," Rodgers said on Sunday. "No, you know exactly what I mean."
When pushed again to elaborate, Rodgers ended the interview by adding: "Done, good girl, well done."
© Reuters
Lewis has since affirmed that she has taken no offence at the comment, while Rodgers, who has been called to apologise by campaigners, has addressed the criticism that he has received at a press conference on Tuesday.
"I will address it because I've been aware of it. Sadly, for me, in society now, we are either looking to offend or find something that is offensive to try to pin onto people," Rodgers told reporters.
"I think any journalist or reporter, or anyone in media, I've always based my life on relationships, I've always offered a warmth, respect, being courteous, and giving time to people, and that will never change.
"So obviously when there was that little bit that was out there, or big bit, however it was, then of course I feel the need to address that.
"Like I said, I deal with people in life, whether players – relationships with them and wanting to make them better – or people in the media. I've spoken to Jane and she wasn't offended. We had a laugh about it, she will continue to ask me awkward questions, I am sure. But I see her every week and we have good relations like I have with most people in my life, whether that's professional or social.
© Reuters
"And the irony of it is, I shared with players not so long ago the story of Jessica Watson, the young woman of 16 years of age who travelled around the world solo on a boat - the documentary I watched was really inspiring. True Spirit it was called. I actually shared it with the players in terms the inspiration they can take of a woman of that age, what she's been through and everything else.
"So I find it saddening as much as anything, because I'm not that type of person, I could never be that, it's not how I'm built.
"But I'm also sad for society now, because people are looking and trying to find ways to somehow bring you down if you can. And it's not nice."
Prior to Rodgers's press conference, Lewis released a brief statement on the matter, saying: "Clearly, the interview on Sunday has become a talking point. I don't believe there was any offence meant by Brendan Rodgers - and for my part, there was none taken."
Rodgers has recently come under fire following Celtic's dip in form, which has allowed rivals Rangers to climb two points clear at the top of the Premiership table.
The Hoops boss will be looking to steer his side to back-to-back wins and reignite the club's title hopes when they welcome Dundee to Parkhead on Wednesday.
