“What a huge mistake to allow him play” Rodgers tells one Celtic star his career is over and will never play under him after shocking Scottish cup defeat

Celtic is still reeling from the shock of their Scottish Cup final defeat to Aberdeen, but the fallout inside the dressing room may be even more dramatic than the result itself. Manager Brendan Rodgers has reportedly told midfielder Paulo Bernardo that his career at Celtic is over, following what sources describe as a “disastrous” individual performance in the loss at Hampden Park.

According to insiders close to the club, Rodgers was furious after the final whistle and didn’t hold back in private conversations with staff and players. At the center of his rage was Portuguese midfielder Paulo Bernardo, whose display in the middle of the park was labeled as “timid, passive, and costly.”

“What a huge mistake to allow him to play,” Rodgers is reported to have said behind closed doors. He is also believed to have told Bernardo directly that he would never wear the Celtic shirt again under his management.

The Scottish Cup final was supposed to be a crowning moment for Celtic  a chance to secure a domestic double and end the season on a high. Instead, it turned into a nightmare, with Aberdeen out-fighting and outplaying the Hoops in extra time. While many players were below par, Bernardo’s lack of intensity and costly turnovers stood out.

Bernardo started in midfield alongside top star but failed to impose himself on the game. He was dispossessed multiple times, struggled to track runners, and was partly at fault for the sequence that led to Aberdeen’s extra-time winner.

Fans, pundits, and even teammates appeared shocked at his performance. But Rodgers’ response has taken it a step further  moving from criticism to career-ending consequences at Celtic.

Supporters were already furious with Bernardo’s showing during the match. Social media exploded with criticism, with many calling for the club to send him back to Benfica immediately.

“He’s a passenger in midfield,” wrote one fan on X. “Total liability in a final. Unforgivable.”

Another added: “Rodgers backed him and he let everyone down. That has to be his last game in green and white.”

The news that Rodgers has indeed pulled the plug on Bernardo’s Celtic future will likely be welcomed by fans who have grown increasingly frustrated with inconsistent performances in big games.

Brendan Rodgers is no stranger to high standards and tough decisions. His return to Celtic was built on promises of discipline, ambition, and silverware. While he secured the Premiership title this season, the Scottish Cup loss has clearly exposed cracks especially in the mental resilience of some squad members.

Insiders say Rodgers viewed the Cup final as a “character test” for players ahead of the summer rebuild. Bernardo’s performance, in his view, was proof that he lacks the mentality required to succeed at a club like Celtic.

“This club needs warriors, not passengers,” Rodgers reportedly told coaching staff after the match. “He’s done.”

With the loan agreement ending this summer, it is now virtually certain that Celtic will not seek to make Bernardo’s move permanent. The 22-year-old will return to Benfica with his reputation bruised and his Celtic chapter closed — not with a farewell, but with a fallout.

As the club prepares for a critical summer window Rodgers is expected to reshape the midfield completely. That rebuild will no longer include Paulo Bernardo, whose time at Celtic has ended in bitterness and controversy.