A furious Hotline punter has accused Nick Walsh of continuing his “vendetta” against Rangers after sending Mohamed Diomande off in the 3-1 victory against Dundee United.
The Ivorian midfielder was given his marching orders by Walsh in the dying seconds of the game after clashing with Tangerines defender Kevin Holt. There appeared to be little contact between the pair and despite being the intervention of VAR to request that the whistler review the incident, Walsh left Philippe Clement and the Gers bench incensed by sticking with his original call to send Diomande off.
The Belgian boss has vowed to appeal the red card and that decision has also provoked a strong reaction from Scott Gowers, Edinburgh, who said: “I notice Nick Walsh’s Rangers vendetta has reared it’s head again. Rangers will appeal Diamonde’s red card and I’ll be extremely surprised if it’s not overturned.
“That’s several games that Nick Walsh has gone against Rangers players and the SFA should be embarrassed if they allow Nick Walsh to officiate again as there is a clear and obvious agenda against Rangers. Walsh made a decision and would never change his mind as it was against a Rangers player. The VAR replay proves there was no retaliation and more a natural motion from the foul Diomande suffered.”
Stuart McLeod, Stepps, went one step further, writing: “If anyone had any doubt over the refereeing corruption that surrounds Scottish football look no further than Nick Walsh at Tannadice. He couldn’t wait to flash a red card to a Rangers. The soft free kicks he gave against Rangers all game was evidence enough to see what was coming. Diomande will now face a suspension whilst Holt and Gallagher the 2 aggressors in the same incident will be free to play next week. “
Across the city, Celtic are making big January moves and their hierarchy have received big praise on the Hotline. Jota’s imminent arrival from Rennes with Kyogo Furuhashi moving in the other direction dominated the weekend chat with the game against Dundee postponed. Brendan Rodgers’ team are in action against Aston Villa in the Champions League and Motherwell in the Premiership before the window closes.
But the dealings are being backed as Paul McCormack, Coatbridge, said: “The board at Celtic deserve massive congratulations for the work they are doing right now. £5.5 million for sale of a back up player in Alexandro Bernabei and £10 million for a 30 year-old out-of-sorts Kyogo.
“The return of Jota for around a third of what we earned from him and the possibility of a similar deal for Kieran Tierney, not to mention more millions in the bank for Champions League qualification. Celtic are dominating on and off the field right now.”
Paul McCardle, Gourock, echoed the sentiment and said: “Celtic sold Jota and Kieran Tierney for £50 milllion and bringing them both back in their prime for a total of £8 million paid for by selling 30 year-old Kyogo for £10m and still banking £2 million profit. If this is celtic folding like a deck of cards, then Dave King needs Knighted.”
David Bryce, Troon, said: “Celtic getting £10 million for Kyogo is great business. He has been ineffectual, mostly, since Rodgers returned to the club. Jota returning should be a good move, but a quality striker is a must because Adam Idah is average and simply cannot be relied upon.”
Kevin O’Neil sent an email from Egypt to say: “There are mixed feelings about Celtic’s decision to sell Kyogo.
“He was a fantastic player with an impressive goalscoring record in most competitions and he will certainly be missed, especially for his goals against Rangers. However, his performance in the Champions League didn’t quite match that level. The Champions League is where it matters most for Celtic.”
Gary Stevenson, Newtonhill, had an additional word on the deal to sell the Japanese attacker as he said: “Strange to hear that some Celtic supporters think that Kyogo lacks ambition in moving to Rennes. Perhaps he should have aimed for one of the European giants like Slovan Bratislava or Young Boys.”
While Celtic go to Villa Park, Rangers follow up their visit to Tannadice to face Dundee United with a Europa League encounter against Union SG. Sean McGarvey, Cumbernauld, said: “After all the criticism of Celtic from the regulars on here about us flying the flag for Scotland in the big boys league, it’s ironic that the worst Manchester United team ever just beat the worst-ever team to take part in the big boys league. Levels.”
But Alan Flett said: “As I’ve said before, the only major difference between the Champions League and Europa League is money. We’ve carried Scottish football in Europe for years, we’ve played in two finals since Celtic last won a two-legged tie. Players who sign for Rangers don’t want to leave, whereas Celtic are just used as a stepping stone.”
Robert Livingstone, Palm Beach, said: “You really wonder what Philippe Clement is thinking ignoring Lawrence Shankland, who is free at season’s end. He’d be a good signing, but now late January, they’re not even speaking to him and it’s going to get much tougher against a cashed up Celtic.”
Meanwhile, Hugh McKirdy gave his assessment on current struggles at Pittodrie as he said: “There’s absolutely nothing to suggest Aberdeen won’t be relegated and, sadly, Jimmy Thelin looks incapable of turning it around. Utterly bemusing given the start they made to the season.”
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