The Hotline fallout from Hampden is rumbling on and now Rangers and Celtic fans are throwing the history books at each other.
Celtic edged ahead 119-118 in the all time trophy count with their Premier Sports Cup win at the weekend – or did they? John Mac via email: “Before Celtic fans get too carried away, Rangers won seven titles – the Emergency War Cup, and the Southern League Cup during World Wars which they do not include in their list of honours. Celtic won four titles during that time which they include so really check your history.”
James Brown, Glasgow, said: “By the end of this season, Celtic may have to find a way to have 121 Stars on the Celtic Jerseys if/when we win the League and Scottish Cup? Celtic should hire a professional painter to paint a mural at Celtic Park in celebration and any professional painter need not worry as Celtic pay their bills unlike Rangers.”
William Smith, Airdrie, said: “Can I please point out some facts, how many European Cups have either Celtic or Rangers won? How many European Cups/Champions Leagues have Real Madrid won? Rangers need to get a new anthem by Tina Turner, ‘Simply second best’ in Scotland but miles behind elsewhere.”
That one might go on for a while – and the penalty flashpoint also won’t go away with new Rangers CEO Patrick Stewart’s first email to the SFA demanding answers. Eddie Easson, Ballingry, said: “Patrick Stewart is barely through the revolving door at Ibrox and he’s at war with the blazers. As usual following the party line of the hard done by.
“The Celtic supporters on each bus are running sweeps to see how long he stays. Another dip into the dwindling club accounts when he jumps ship.”
Neil Renton, Leith: “I can’t stop laughing at Stewart demanding an explanation from the SFA. Now he knows what it’s like to have refereeing decisions go against you which is something clubs face on a regular basis when they face the Ibrox side. He won’t need polish for the Rangers trophy cabinet but I’m hoping he’s got enough for his brass neck.”
But Scott Gowers, Edinburgh, said: “Rangers were denied a stonewall penalty and Kasper Schmeichel was in the box for the first Celtic penalty, which should have been retaken with a booking. To almost be on Jack Butland’s lap for Celtic’s third penalty was deplorable. There should have been a second booking.
“Alan Muir on VAR surely can’t be allowed to officiate in any Rangers or Celtic match again as he’s certainly treated similar incidents in a differing manner when it comes to Rangers and Celtic.”
Ralph Hamilton emailed: “Once again Rangers cheated by bad refereeing and a useless VAR operative. A foul on Cerny by serial cheat Scales a yard inside the box given as a foul. A totally clear penalty. Every commenter noticed it.”
Stuart McLeod, via email, said: “We should do what our opponents do and make a big song and dance about officials at the AGM and hire private detectives to follow them around it seems to have worked for them in the favourable decision department.” But Richard Wharton, Carlisle, said: “Rangers may have lost the final, but they can still add another trophy to their collection, The ‘we should have had a penalty cup’.”
Bill Lockerbie Northampton, said: “What a kerfuffle from the Light Blue legions over a game they didn’t win. Bottom line, they simply could not win against an underperforming Celtic side who presented them with a goal of a start. They should be content with a credible third place finish in the league. For those who think there’s nothing much between them, dream on.”
Liam Birney, Paisley, said: “Anyone who thinks that the cup final is a barometer to assert that the gap between Celtic and Rangers is closing needs their head looked at. That is exactly what league tables and trophy cabinets are for. Celtic’s is jam packed – Rangers’ is empty.”