Hotline callers have backed up Philippe Clement‘s criticism of the scheduling of his side’s fixtures, with one punter even suggesting that it won’t be long until Old Firm matches are played ABROAD.
The Rangers boss slammed the SPFL for handing his team a 12pm kick-off slot live on Sky Sports against Hibs at Ibrox on Sunday, less than 72 hours after they had got off to a fine start in the Europa League with a 2-0 away win against Malmo. Eddie Easson, Ballingry, wrote: “On one point I have to agree with Monsieur Clement. The television’s scheduling of games is terrible. It would appear that they are running the football calendar. It not be long before Old Firm games will be getting played in other countries.”
Celtic have been given a 7.45pm kick-off time against Hearts on November 23 due to the regular Sunday slot not being available because of the rugby international between Scotland and Australia at Murrayfield, fuelling more disdain from Hotline callers around the fixtures and television picks. John Davidson, Kirkintilloch, said: “Kick off times for games getting shown live, in the spfl are a recipe for disaster, late ko on a Saturday night for a class A game hearts v Celtic, plenty time to top up with rocket fuel, don’t need the drinks ban lifted.”
The SNP’s decision to rescind their pledge to look into potentially removing the no alcohol policy at football matches in Scotland has also been a topic of hot debate. Andrew Wilson believes the procedure for allowing alcohol back into grounds is straightforward. He wrote: “Just what I think is a fairly simple solution to allowing alcohol sales at Scottish football stadiums.
“Alcohol was banned following the 1980 Scottish Cup final. Celtic v Rangers. And that, in itself, is the answer. Do not allow alcohol sales at flashpoint games. Rangers v Celtic or Aberdeen (I’m a Rangers fan) or Hearts v Hibs? And especially St Mirren v Morton. But Celtic v St Johnstone or Rangers v Motherwell or Dundee v Kilmarnock? I mean? Just make it common sense.”
Aberdeen’s red-hot start to the season has got some Dons fans dreaming of that they could pip Rangers to a second-place finish, and one buoyed Hoops caller believes it is a genuine possibility as long as Clement remains at the helm. Linda Hay, Dumfries, quipped: “Please please please keep a hold of Clement. Celtic fans are laughing at at him with his comments. If the Rangers don’t start winning games they are going to be third as the Dons will finish second to the champions.”
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And finally, one Hotline caller gave his thoughts after watching former Rangers flop Fabio Silva open his account for new loan club Las Palmas. Robert Livingstone, Palm Beach, wrote: “Watching Paramount Plus La Liga highlights of the Villareal Las Palmas game.
“The man who sent Gers fans blood pressure soaring Fabio Silva did score a excellent goal for Las Palmas, but had one of his trademark misses from only a few yards out. It looked impossible to miss but Silva has mastered that art. (Oli) Mcburnie was at number nine didn’t see him do that much they took him of later.”