Rangers kicked off 2025 in style as they claimed derby day bragging rights over Celtic as Philippe Clement FINALLY got one over on rival Brendan Rodgers.
It was a similar theme that dominated a fiery blockbuster Hotline as the Light Blues faithful revelled in tasting victory over the Hoops – while the supporters of the champions couldn’t believe their eyes at a performance branded by one caller as ‘one of the worst he has ever witnessed’. The 3-0 defeat leaves the gap between the top two at 11 going into the New Year – but one punter reckons it is a long time in the making. Sean Dolan, Chicago said: “Celtic have been sleep walking into this result since the Atalanta game. Sloppiness everywhere and players clearly believing the media hype, thinking they just need to turn up to win. Rodgers tactically undone by an amateur.”
Bill Waugh, Glasgow said: “It’s hard to say this but on our last two performances there is now no gap. These are the games you have to turn up in and right now five or six of this Celtic team have missed the bus on the last two games. Fortunately for us Rangers let themselves down more against the others.”
Edward Fraser emailed: “Well it had to happen eventually a Rangers win but to be honest Celtic played absolutely atrociously not one of the Celtic players turned up today. They played like a team that had nothing to play for. We win we go 17 points clear we lose we’re still 11 points clear so nothing to play for.”
Celtic fans’ anger was evident but a few made the wise crack that while it was a shock result in their minds, the one thing it does do is keep Philippe Clement in the Rangers dugout longer with the pressure building on numerous occasions this season from the stands. While others were quick to point out the result mirrors the 3-0 success Michael Beale tasted during his tenure.
Seamie Gallagher emailed: “First of all congratulations to Rangers on a shock but deserved win over my team Celtic. Only two positives I can take are that it’s too late to change the destination of the league and more importantly Clement gets to stay!!!!”
Steve McSherry, Uddingston: “ No one saw that result coming. We got what we deserved and the only upside is that Clement won’t be sacked right now. We made Rangers look half decent instead of burying them. This result mirrors the last time they beat us in a dead rubber game.”
Gordon Ashley, Ayr: “It’s almost as if Rangers fans haven’t learned from the last dead rubber they won 3-0 after Celtic had already won the league. Celtic played at 70 per cent tops and will go on and dominate the same as they did after that game, the result means absolutely nothing and they know it.”
Kenny Wilson, Moffat: “Absolutely shocking performance from Celtic who offered nothing the whole game. No fight, no passion, no hunger, losing every 50/50 ball. Constantly giving the ball away and inviting pressure. Liam Scales being the biggest culprit. Rangers were more than worthy of their win and simply were better all over the pitch and if it was 5-0 it wouldn’t have been flattering. But thankfully still 11 points clear but performances like that must never happen again it is quite simply embarrassing.”
David Bryce, Troon: “Celtic’s players and manager should hang their heads this evening. They embarrassed the club today and were absolutely battered three going on seven! To not test that backline and keeper is absolutely disgraceful. Spare me this Rodgers elite manager nonsense, the minute a team presses his he has no clue how to retaliate. An absolute horror show!”
Richard Wharton, Carlisle: “That one one of the worst performances I have ever witnessed from Celtic. The marking, tackling, defending and passing were dire. Created next to nothing going forward. Got exactly what they deserved!!
Mark Smith, Cumbernauld: “Hotline regular Mr Ashley along with others will be gutted as their beloved multi million pound Celtic FC were dominated and annihilated by a makeshift Rangers side with no money. No excuses this time – No poor ref decisions or VAR decisions!….and don’t be fooled this was a meaningless match we all know Celtic desperately wanted to get 17 points in front!”
Alan Flett emailed: “What a performance from Rangers. Hagi and Raskin outstanding, Jefte and Propper best games for the club. I will always maintain that, when we bring our A-game we’re the best team in the country. Now though, we have to bring this level of performance vs the St Mirren’s and Motherwell’s. PS. Where is the great Calum McGregor?”