A Rangers fan who claimed Celtic had achieved NOTHING by qualifying for the Champions League playoffs was branded ‘pathetic’ by a talkSPORT host after a fiery call.
It was a night of high drama at Parkhead as the Hoops had THREE first-half goals disallowed against Young Boys and Arne Engels missed a penalty. But super-sub Adam Idah came to the rescue by forcing an 85th-minute OG to clinch a priceless three points, which also gives Brendan Rodgers’ heroes a slim chance of parachuting directly into the last 16 ahead of next week’s final game at Aston Villa.
It’s the first time in more than a decade that the Scottish champions have reached the knockouts of Europe’s top competition. But Celtic-daft radio presenter Shebahn Aherne was left gobsmacked when Gers supporter Adrian attempted to belittle the achievement in the early hours.
The Ibrox wind-up merchant claimed that Celts were handed an easy draw against the likes of Young Boys and Club Brugge and insisted the three-in-a-row title winners were only in with the big boys thanks to Rangers boosting the Scottish coefficient with their Europa League heroics in recent years.
Caller Adrian’s remarks were laughed off by Aherne – who hosted Celtic’s Player of the Year bash at the Hydro last May – as the host celebrated another magical night under the lights at Parkhead.
Full transcript
Caller: “I don’t understand what Celtic have achieved. They are 18th. You got a lucky goal against Young Boys and drew with Brugge. So what have you achieved? I don’t get that.”
Shebahn Aherne: “Well, we’re through to the next stage of the competition. We haven’t been out of the group since 2012/2013… so we’re through to the next stage – with a game to go, by the way.”
Caller: “I get that but you played Young Boys and Club Brugge at the same time as Rangers were playing Tottenham and Man United.”
SA: “That’s tonight. The Celtic game was last night, so we’ll be talking about that this morning, Adrian.”
Caller: “Aye, but what I’m saying is you are playing weak teams, and you’re not beating them.”
SA: “Well, we did. We did.”
Caller: “Aye, but a really super lucky goal. Do you know what I mean?”
SA: “Adrian, listen to yourself. What point are you trying to prove? Celtic won last night and are through to the next phase of the competition. You’ll play tonight, and you might go to the next stage of the competition as well. I don’t doubt Rangers’ pedigree in Europe. I thought Spurs would’ve smashed them to bits and they didn’t. I think they could do a job tonight at Old Trafford, but we’ll discuss that tomorrow. Celtic fans are allowed to be happy this morning about where we are in the Champions League.”
Caller: “There’s no doubt you understand Rangers’ pedigree because the only reason you’re playing Champions League football is because of our pedigree in Europe, which is factual.”
SA: “Yes, and what? I’m not doubting that! I’ve not said that.”
Caller: “You have achieved nothing, absolutely nothing.”
SA: “Mate, neither have you! In a long time as well! We’ll see how tonight goes tonight Adrian. I appreciate your call all the same, but what is your problem? We did win last night and we are through to the next stage of the competition for the first time in a long time.”
Caller: “But you are rubbish in Europe.”
SA: “Hahaha. You are pathetic. Thank you for your call.”