Brendan Rodgers believes ‘every true Celtic supporter’ will get behind Liel Abada as Israel-Palestine war escalates
BRENDAN RODGERS believes “every true Celtic supporter” will get behind Liel Abada regardless of their stance in the ongoing Israel-Palestine war.
The Hoops boss revealed he took the winger out for dinner during the international break to offer him moral support during a difficult personal period.
The Green Brigade have been long-standing supporters of the Palestinian cause and unfurled a banner proclaiming “Victory to the Resistance” at the match against Kilmarnock – just hours after the militant group Hamas had massacred hundreds of Israeli Jews.
Celtic condemned that move in a statement, while former Hoops midfielder Nir Bitton also slammed the supporters group for being “brainwashed and biased”.
Further support of Palestine is being planned by the Green Brigade - now banned from away matches - at next week’s Champions League clash at home to Atletico Madrid.
Abada – out injured until December - has been urged by Israeli pundits and former players to get out of Parkhead as soon as possible.
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But Rodgers reckons the Celtic fans will continue to support one of their own.
He said: “I went for a meal with Liel last week.
“It was just to see what he was thinking and where he was at.
“He’s fine. Naturally, he’s sad, like us all, by what is happening.
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“It’s a really divisive subject in terms of what is happening.
“But he knows he has the support of every true Celtic supporter.
“Every person here at the club is all backing him.
"Liel knows everyone here is very supportive of him.
“Any Celtic fan I've known over the years has always supported the Celtic player.
“He's had conversations with the board and everyone else.
“It’s hard for a father to watch when you see some of the images of what’s going on but when you’re so close to it and it’s from his country then of course it’s even harder.
“But he’s okay. He’s just concentrating on getting himself fit.”
Rodgers felt it was important to support the 22-year-old given he is so far from home.
He explained: “That was the whole idea about taking him out for a bite to eat.
“He’s a football player but he’s 22 years of age and in a foreign country.
“We are here for him to support him and help him.
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“He's in regular contact back home and obviously he has the support of everyone here at Celtic."
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