Brendan Rodgers found himself in a futile confrontation similar to one involving Sir Alex Ferguson over twenty years ago. When challenging Irish businessman Dermot Desmond, history shows the odds are stacked against you, as Rodgers recently experienced by departing Celtic with his managerial reputation tarnished.

Desmond, a prominent figure at Celtic, is known for his decisive actions and recently launched a scathing critique of Rodgers. This echoes a past incident where Desmond mediated a dispute between Ferguson and fellow Irish businessman John Magnier over a champion stallion named ‘Rock Of Gibraltar’. Despite Ferguson’s initial claims, Desmond’s intervention led to a settlement that favored Magnier.

Desmond’s influence is far-reaching, and he usually operates discreetly, preferring to make significant decisions without elaborate explanations. However, he made an exception for Rodgers, publicly accusing him of contributing to a negative environment at the club. As a result, Rodgers faces an uncertain future, contemplating potential legal actions reminiscent of Ferguson’s past actions.

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Jeremy, a seasoned sports writer with a decade of experience at the Daily Star, specializes in Manchester football coverage and provides expert insights on the Premier League, Manchester United, Manchester City, and the England national team. His extensive portfolio includes coverage of major sporting events like World Cups, Wimbledon, golf majors, and the Olympics.