Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has laughed off “unbelievable” claims that he was sending a subliminal message by not wearing his club tie against Aberdeen on Sunday.
Rodgers was made aware of the conspiracy theory over his happiness at the club that was aired on a radio phone-in.
The 52-year-old is experiencing an ongoing wait for attacking additions to his squad and recently asserted that he would only extend his contract if the club showed ambition.
But his Pittodrie clothing choice was no fashion statement.
Rodgers, who wore a suit and open-necked shirt during the 2-0 win, said: “It’s unbelievable. Someone told me this here. I’m supposedly sending messages. It’s unbelievable.
“See when it’s really hot, you either take off your jacket or your tie. And see when it’s really cold, you wear a jumper.
“I remember last year I wore a jumper. People said, he’s sending a message. What message? B****y freezing. I was wearing a jumper and my big coat.
“And last week. There’s two grounds I’ve realised in my career that are absolutely boiling, if the sun’s hitting your dugout. Pittodrie and Preston. Deepdale. I went there once before and I got absolutely roasted on the day.
“Pittodrie is the same because the sun hits you. So, I thought I’ll either take off my jacket or take off my tie. So, I took my tie off.
“So I don’t know what message that is. I’m just warm. Modern football, eh? I’m sorry if I’ve wasted people’s energy and time but I was just a wee bit hot and that’s why I had no tie.”
Rodgers confirmed he would be wearing a tie for Friday’s Premier Sports Cup clash with Falkirk.
“I’ll look at the temperature,” he said. “It should be back on, yes.
“I’ve always been the shirt and tie man. My father always brought me up, be respectful. When he sent me on trial to clubs when I was younger, at 13, 14, he would send me away in a shirt and tie. From that, I’ve always represented him in respect level. So, it’s always shirt and tie where it can be.”
