Neymar takes strong stance on issue Brendan Rodgers and Celtic have complained about for years

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There is an issue in Scotland that Brendan Rodgers has spoken out about before that annoys both the Celtic support and the Hoops gaffer.

Artificial playing surfaces have been a bugbear for a lot of Celtic fans since they were introduced to the Scottish game in 2003 by Dunfermline Athletic.

Players like Cameron Carter-Vickers and Kyogo Furuhashi had to have their minutes managed on these surfaces as they tended to flare up injury conditions within the Celtic heroes.

And now, Brazilian superstar Neymar has taken a strong stance as he has his say on artificial pitches being used in Brazil’s top flight.

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Neymar’s stance on artificial pitches marries with Celtic’s and the fans

Celtic fans have a bit of a love-hate relationship with Neymar ever since his antics when he faced the Bhoys in the Champions League with Barcelona and PSG.

Now at Santos, the Brazilian superstar has taken a stance on artificial pitches that even Celtic fans will agree with.

A Tribuna shared what Neymar said back in August after Santos beat Juventude 3-1 on a grass pitch, as he looked ahead to facing Palmeiras on their artificial surface.

The Brazilian said, “Playing at Allianz (Parque) is practically impossible for me. Playing indoors is one of the things that bothers me as a player, regardless of my injuries.

“So, playing at MorumBis, which is a very good field, is always better.”

And now, the former Barca striker will not play on any pitches which are not currently grass.

How many artificial pitches Celtic must put up with this season

With artificial pitches in the Scottish Premiership being phased out from the start of season 2026/27, Brendan Rodgers has had strong views on the surfaces.

The Celtic manager said back in March 2024, “You certainly have to consider it. For example, with Callum McGregor we have to think along that route. There’s no doubt it comes into your thinking, especially on the back of an international break where players have been travelling.

“We’re all hopeful in the future that we’ll have quality grass pitches here. Supporters will see the best possible game that they can.

“But at this moment in time, we play on the plastic pitch, and so we have to deal with that. And of course that means we have to think about team selection and the welfare of the player. From Callum’s perspective, it’s probably too much of a risk for us.”

As it stands right now, Celtic will need to face Falkirk, Kilmarnock and Livingston on the plastic pitches as the Hoops support long for these surfaces to be eradicated from the Scottish top flight for good.