Watch the Brendan Rodgers gag that silenced Scottish media

There was an icey silence right at the start of the media conference by Brendan Rodgers following Celtic’s 5-1 win over Slovan Bratislava.

In most circumstances a thumping win for the home side to open the Champions League would be a source or merriment. Easy headlines, lots of stories and plenty of engagement with fans and readers eager to consume as much as possible from a thrilling victory.

There wasn’t much evidence of that last night as Rodgers reached the all-in media conference after his one-to-ones with UEFA’s media partners.

A joke, no matter how good or bad from a manager or player is normally lapped up, the reporters laugh back to open up a relaxed discussion that will run on and add to a few easy days of content.

It wasn’t the worst joke ever cracked in a media conference when Rodgers suggested halting the Champions League as the top two teams, Celtic and Bayern Munich play off for the tournament.

But the reaction in the media room seemed on a par with a February 2012 announcement that a famous Glasgow club had been placed in administration.

Or the request for any questions to Walter Smith after losing 4-1 at home to Unirea Urziceni.

First up with a question was Alasdair Lamont of BBC Scotland who clearly hadn’t enjoyed his evening trapped inside Celtic Park.

He managed to contain his disappointment, something he failed miserably with three years ago when he opened up after Celtic beat Ferencvaros by asking Ange Postecoglou if he felt that his side had deserved the points.

Rodgers was there to create a few headlines but there was an atmosphere that suggested there is bad news in the pipeline across the city.

A few other familiar voices were heard asking questions but there was a very sombre tone about it compared to the celebrations going on in and around Celtic Park after the record Champions League victory.

Rodgers’ side now face three of their toughest matches, perhaps there will be a more upbeat and engaged reaction if things don’t go as well as they did against the Slovak champions.