There might be an Old Firm Derby in Glasgow this weekend but supporters of the sides are scrapping it out on the Hotline about Europe.
Whether it’s unwanted records in the Champions League or the value of the Europa League, Celtic and Rangers rivals are never going to see eye to eye.
Caller Alfie Mullin claimed Rangers no longer hold the worst even return in the top competition. But Sean McGarvey, Cumbernauld, said: “What’s it all about Alfie? Haven’t you noticed, as you seem to know a lot about Scotland’s champions, the other teams in the new format play two extra games, two more than Rangers did in the big boys’ cup. Rangers are STILL the worst team to have ever played, and I use that term loosely, in the Champions League. It’s a statistical fact, and another title to go with the coefficient one I suppose.”
Paul McArdle, Gourock, said: “The stats in black and white state the Rangers are statistically still the worst team in the competition’s history because the other teams had disadvantage of playing more games.”
Gordon Ashley Ayr, said: “Celtic could play in the Europa League next season and if we do you will not hear me boast about winning any matches, making the final is decent and winning it would be a great achievement but anything before that is Mickey Mouse football for teams not good enough for the Champions League and the Rangers fans know it.”
But James Galbraith emailed: “If the Europa League is Mickey Mouse then why did Celtic have a restaurant called after their Seville failure?”
And Scott Gowers, Edinburgh, said: “Rangers are not the worst team in the history of the Champions League, the sooner people understand this and stop with the lies the better. These lies are from jealous bitter people whose team are out of Europe again. The team they are trying to slate is once again flying the flag for Scotland, aiding the coefficient that benefits their team.”
Rangers legend Ally McCoist reckons Frank Lampard would be ideal as boss. And Andrew Lamb, Fraserburgh, said: “I agree with McCoist – Lampard should be the next Gers manager. Pay Coventry what it takes.”
But Philip Borland emailed: “Lampard was binned by Chelsea and Everton. Why would we want someone who has been sacked by two different football clubs?”
The Hoops are gearing up for Sunday’s derby showdown and Charles Maxwell emailed: “Celtic played some great football on Sunday. Jeffrey Schlupp is looking more impressive with every game. He may be almost 33 but he’s rock solid, has great feet and absolutely no problem getting up and down the park.”
Stephen Mulhern, Dumbarton, said: “I read Craig Moore say there are similarities between Cyriel Dessers and Daizen Maeda. That’s akin to comparing a spam sandwich to a plate of caviar.”
Alan Flett, via email, said: “With Kyogo out of his depth in France and O’Reilly struggling to even make the Brighton bench, can we assume that both will be returning to Parkhead during the summer? Celtic have certainly found an ingenious way of making a pound or two.
“Sell your best players to bigger clubs for a fortune, then buy them back on the cheap when they flop. It’s brilliant! I just can’t fathom why no other clubs are doing the same.”
Jack Ronaldson has a sore head and emailed: “Why do the football clubs and authorities allow the persistent tuneless drumming at football matches? The drums are an absolute disgrace, and have nothing to do with football. “It’s almost unbearable if you are in close proximity.”
Finally, Brian Logan, via email, said: “I would like to pay my respects to one of Scotland’s greatest ever sportsmen, Dick McTaggart, who passed away recently. As a schoolboy, I used to watch him on TV competing in the Olympic Games, the Commonwealth Games, the ABA Championships and in internationals for Scotland and Great Britain.
“He was almost unbeatable, being voted best boxer at the 1956 Olympics in Melbourne where he won gold. Sincerest condolences to his family.”