Rodgers asks Celtic fans to back team amid protests at Belgrade draw

Brendan Rodgers appealed to Celtic supporters on Friday to set aside planned protests and back the team at home after his side earned a battling 1-1 draw at Red Star Belgrade in the Europa League on Wednesday. Substitute Kelechi Iheanacho scored a superb opener at the Marakana before Marko Arnautovic scrambled an equaliser, and Rodgers said the lift of a full Celtic Park will be critical as the club prepares to host Hibernian on Saturday and Braga next Thursday.

Iheanacho's second half introduction changed the tone of the game, Rodgers said, praising the former Manchester City and Leicester forward as a reference for the side who will only improve as his match fitness increases. Rodgers added that teenager Colby Donovan was "absolutely outstanding" in his first appearances at that level. He acknowledged first half shortcomings and defended the point taken in a hostile atmosphere, noting the significance of preventing a defeat in a stadium where results are hard to come by.

The draw did little to calm mounting unrest off the field. The Celtic Fans Collective has announced a three-match silent protest at home games unless the board engages with supporters or there is movement...