It’s been a big midweek of Euro action but the Glasgow fighting talk is already roaring ahead of Sunday’s Premier Sports Cup final.
And where else but the Hotline to take the temperature in both camps? In the green corner, Sean Beech, Hampshire, said: “You have to laugh at the desperation of the Rangers contingent on here trying to claim they are better in Europe than Celtic despite being in a lower league. Going by their logic that would make Falkirk the second best team in Scottish football at the moment as the points tally stands.”
Liam Birney, Paisley, had a message for regular caller Chris Lowe as he said: “Just when you think Chris Lowe couldn’t get any more ridiculous with his comments on Celtic in the Champions League, he criticises them when they are on the verge of qualifying for the playoff stage with nine points! Just a reminder Chris that this is nine more than your club got when achieving the worst set of results in the history of the tournament! You’re the guy on a Penny Farthing laughing at the driver of a Ferrari.”
Robert McEwan, Mt Vernon, said: “I see Motormouth Lowe giving us our stats in Europe. He might be right, but winning multiple leagues and treble is not for everyone.”
On the other side of the city, Gary Stevenson, Newtonhill, dug out Celtic fan Gordon Ashley as he said: “Let’s visit the world of young Gordon Ashley. A world where Kilmarnock always lie down to Rangers despite beating them earlier in the season. A world where Borrusia Dortmund and RB Leipzig become world class overnight when he labeled them bang average when Rangers were the opposition. A world where Slovan Bratislava and Young Boys are quality opposition despite failing to register a point in the group stages. Come on young Gordon, leave out a glass of milk for Santa and sleep tight.”
Callum McGregor is a Celtic European Centurion but Neil Renton, Leith, said: “That’s a lot of hype about Celtic captain Callum McGregor playing 100 games in Europe. Well done to him. I wonder how many more he’ll need to play before he wins a knockout match?”
Willie Mercer, Dumfries, reckons Celtic fans are being selective in the use of facts in the extreme. He said: “Once again the usual East End contributors apply their Nelson’s Eye when extolling the virtues of their team’s exploits in the Champions League, while at the same time downgrading Rangers results and opponents in the Europa League. It should be noted that Celtic’s two victories have come at home against the teams occupying 34th and 35th place in the 36-team League, both with zero points. It should also be noted that Zagreb were missing 6 first team players on Tuesday. Subjective objectiveness at its best.”
Alan Flett said: “Yet again, Celtic fans are celebrating a draw with a dreadfully poor Zagreb side, yet they continue to belittle Rangers. They just can’t accept that we are better in Europe than they are, and we’re playing in a stronger competition against better quality opponents.”
A word for Elena Sadiku and the Celtic women’s team who didn’t shame themselves, but came up short against Real Madrid and Chelsea in the Champions League. Joshua Worrall, Widnes, said: “Despite having no material points to show for it, Celtic Women have performed admirably in their Champions League group. Chelsea and Real Madrid are two powerhouses of the women’s game, but Celtic’s team spirit and resilience has meant they’ve not been completely outclassed in any of their matches. Lessons to learn and build on but Elena Sadiku has done a great job as manager!”
And the 2034 World Cup, controversially awarded to Saudi Arabia, was on Sean McGarvey, Cumbernauld‘s mind. He said: “After watching that absolute charade that was the vote for Saudi Arabia to host the World Cup a thought popped into my head. No one respects this legalised mafia so why don’t national FAs globally refuse to participate?! Or is the greed so ingrained that, even after what is known about the treatment of migrant workers in Qatar, everyone turns a blind eye? This is before we even mention the human rights record. Football needs to hang its head in shame.”
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