If Dedryck Boyata’s behaviour at work was replicated by me or you, we would likely be on the final straw with our employers.
Therefore, have Celtic been too lenient on the Belgian this season for everything that’s gone on? Undoubtedly.
As Boyata likely prepares to depart this month, and no doubt with Brendan Rodgers’ good wishes, he’s just been allowed to walk all over the supporters.
It all started back in August when he flat out refused to play in a Champions League qualifier. These are the biggest games of Celtic’s season, and Boyata couldn’t have cared less. Instead, he pretended he was out injured – something that Rodgers denied.
This caused a massive amount of fan anger. But then again he did dominate Alfredo Morelos and Kyle Lafferty soon after, so everything was rosy again.
In truth, even at that stage, Rodgers should’ve given him a hefty fine. If any of us were caught by our boss feigning sickness during an important day for our employers, the consequences would be severe.
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Instead, the manager and the club couldn’t wait to get him back in there. Being our best centre-back at the time, there was far too much forgiveness from the club.
Champions League no-show and stringing the fans along
Secondly, he’s then posting images months later insinuating that he’s about to sign a new contract. It was a tease to the fans who initially got excited, and Rodgers didn’t know anything about it.
Now we’re being told by his agent that there’s no discussions planned with Celtic. Boyata staying here apparently isn’t an option, therefore he was simply at the wind-up with the support. Inadvertent or not, it was shocking judgment from Boyata.
Yet, throughout it all, Rodgers has continued to put his arm around him. He even spoke out about how much he hoped that Boyata was going to sign a new contract.
It stank of desperation from the club. A lack of quality centre-backs meant that Celtic were happy to pander to someone with no real care for the club or its fans.
Under many of Celtic’s previous managers, this just wouldn’t have been on. Rodgers’ man-management has been top-class in general, but he’s stuck by the Belgian for far too long.
Even now, Boyata is lapping it up in beautiful Dubai. No doubt getting a final holiday in before he jumps ship soon too.
But if the Belgian doesn’t instigate it, then Celtic definitely should. Boyata’s time at Parkhead has to be up, because he’s gotten away with murder over the last six months.