The Old Firm can look forward to more European adventures – but the prospect of Hoops fans being stuck at home hit the Hotline.
Celtic are set to face Bayern Munich in the Champions League play-off round but it could be with no away fans after feeling the force of UEFA for the smoke bomb at Villa Park.
The Birmingham songbook has also been blasted with travelling supporters in the firing line while Rangers will gear up for the Europa League last 16. John Scott, Grassmoor, said: “Having spoken to a Villa fan who attended Tuesday’s game, there’s now no chance Celtic will be taking their place in England’s Premier League any time soon. The anger generated by their chants and banners has put to bed that debate. Hibs fans left the city with plaudits for their support. Celtic, the polar opposite. Not the brightest.”
Joe Hailey, Baillieston, said: “Well done to the clown who has now screwed up the opportunity for all sensible Celtic fans to go to Munich. These eejits cause more harm than good.”
Freddie Wood, Prestonpans, said: “Prince William should have been advised to stay away from the match in Birmingham, as the chants were horrendous. It’s not a new thing either as the SFA should not allow Celtic to play anywhere the week of Remembrance Sunday, for example. The behaviour of a few is off the Richter scale.”
Chris Lowe, Yoker, said: “Congratulations to this Rangers team with no tangible assets on reaching the last 16, the fifth time in 10 years we’ve done it. Across the city, defeating Conference League quality sides was met with glee and the usual £20 million rated headlines. Let’s see how they do in the next round when they will finally play a Champions League side. It’s just a pity their fan behaviour means they’ll not get to see it live.”
Rangers bagged their place in the Europa League last 16 after beating USG.
And Gordon Ferguson, Kilwinning, said: “Not too shabby from Rangers, again in the last 16 and Nico Raskin performing like a £30 million pound player. They also lost the tag of the worst Champions league team ever thanks in part to an OG that ultimately put Celtic through too – it’s a funny old game. Onwards and upwards big Phil Clement and Rangers.”
Scott Gowers, Edinburgh, “It’s absolutely unbelievable that Rangers with the injuries and teams they had to play that they have made the last 16. Rangers deserve the two midweek breaks that’s coming their way before they next play in Europe.”
But Stephen Mulhern, Dumbarton, said: “Huge congratulations to Rangers after beating the Belgian giants to reach the last sixteen. I also agree with Ross Mcausland that they can now go on and win it when they don’t have the daunting task of facing teams of the calibre of Real Madrid or Bayern Munich in the coming rounds…”
Andrew Welsh emailed: “Rangers saying they can beat anybody in Europe. Get real. If USG players had there shooting boots on it would have been 6-2. Time for a reality check Clement.”
Gordon Ashley, Ayr, said: “Rangers have done well to sneak into the top eight of the Europa league but get a grip with the over the top celebrations. “Only making the final is an achievement and nobody cares until that point because it’s second rate. The world’s biggest club trophy that lies in the Celtic boardroom always has been and always will be the only show in town and they know it.”
Yet Jim Galbraith, Rutherglen, said: “Yet another Celtic record with two goals in the opening five minutes at Villa. Brendan is proud of his team after a 4 -2 loss, it’s embarrassing, leave Europe to big boys.”