LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 09: Albert Riera of Liverpool reacts after sustaining an injury during the Barclays Premier League match between Liverpool and Birmingham City at Anfield on November 9, 2009 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)
A heated exchange erupted between managers Albert Riera and Stephen Bradley following Celje’s 2-0 victory over Shamrock Rovers in the Europa Conference League. The match, held on October 24, 2025, reignited tensions from a previous encounter in the Europa League qualifying rounds, where the two coaches had clashed over comments made by Riera.
Riera, who took the helm at Celje in July 2024, has seen a successful run, winning 55 percent of his matches since his appointment. His latest victory against the League of Ireland champions-in-waiting showcased the team’s potential, but the focus quickly shifted to the post-match altercation.
The rivalry dates back to last season when Riera’s bold predictions about Celje’s chances led to accusations of arrogance from Bradley. Following their previous match, where Shamrock Rovers overcame a first-leg deficit, Bradley criticized Riera’s comments, calling them a “lack of respect.”
After the recent match, Riera again voiced his opinions, suggesting that Bradley’s long tenure in the League of Ireland stemmed from a lack of interest in his coaching abilities from clubs in more competitive leagues. “I can say that Shamrock [Rovers] didn’t surprise me at all,” Riera stated. He continued, emphasizing Celje’s superiority on the pitch, claiming his team demonstrated a better overall level throughout the match.
Despite the victory, Riera’s comments did not sit well with Bradley, who opted not to engage with his counterpart post-match. Riera remarked, “What happened on the green has to stay on the green. How you respect me, I respect you.” This statement followed his refusal to shake hands with Bradley, a gesture that highlighted the ongoing animosity between the two.
Bradley responded fiercely to Riera’s remarks, labeling him as someone lacking class. “The man has no class whatsoever in any aspect,” he stated during a post-match interview with RTE. He further elaborated that Riera’s history of disrespect had left little room for cordiality between them. Bradley also addressed Riera’s insinuations regarding his coaching career, explaining that personal circumstances, including his son’s battle with leukemia, were reasons for his continued commitment to Shamrock Rovers.
Irish outlet Extra.ie supported Bradley, asserting that Riera was misinformed about the reasons behind his rival’s longevity in the League of Ireland.
As it stands, Riera’s Celje is performing well in their league campaign, currently sitting third in the Conference League standings and leading the Slovenian league with ten wins and two draws from twelve matches this season. The ongoing rivalry between Riera and Bradley adds an extra layer of intrigue to their future encounters, with both coaches clearly invested in their respective teams’ successes.
This latest chapter in their feud not only highlights the competitive nature of football but also raises questions about sportsmanship and respect among professionals in the game.
