Rangers made Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce look anything but special as they put one foot in the Europa League quarter finals.
But while the Portuguese warned the Ibrox side not to celebrate just yet, there was no holding back the Bears on the Hotline after another sparkling night on the continent. Gordon Ferguson, Kilwinning, said: “Out of the chaos emerges Rangers’ own Special One. A masterclass that Fergie would have been proud of. Fenerbahce were well and truly stuffed in Turkey. Let’s roast them in the second leg and keep Scotland flying in Europe again.”
Joe Graham, Garrowhill, said: “What else can you say about this European Rangers side? They were magnificent again. Why can’t they play like this in the domestic league? Silverware is still on the cards this season.”
Gordon Hendry, Ochiltree, added: “Great result for the Gers but we all appreciate it’s only half time. The big difference was the change in formation by Barry Ferguson which worked a treat, allied with two of our strongest central defenders in Souttar and Balogun and Butland having one of his better games even although he poleaxed Propper.”
And George Wilson emailed: “We will inevitably hear from the Celtic camp that Rangers are playing in the Diddy or Mickey Mouse Cup against nobodies. Man Utd, Spurs, Lyon, Nice and Fenerbahce are at least the equal to some of the dross Celtic played in Champions League and Fenerbahce were unbeaten in 18 games and one of the favourites for the Europa League. Playing in Scotland against some of the dross with nine or 10 in defence doesn’t suit Rangers. Playing against better quality teams who actually try to play football is easier for us.”
Celtic fan Eddie Easson, Ballingry, said: “I never watch Rangers play unless it’s against the greatest team in the history of Scottish football. But credit where it is due, a good result in Europe. But for wee Barry to say Fenerbahce are one of the best in Europe…why are they in the lesser cup? Job half done.”
And Charles Buchanan emailed: “I thought I was watching Celtic instead of Fenerbahce with that gung-ho approach against Rangers leaving themselves so exposed and open at the back. But well done Rangers.”
Some of the commentary in Thursday’s clash came in for criticism with John Scott emailing: “Listening to Ally McCoist complaining about offside and how there should be a margin for error because it’s only a little offside is a bit like being a little pregnant. The whole point of VAR is to determine these calls. Rangers’ first goal was over the line by about 3mm perhaps they should employ a margin for error there as well and not allow the goal. Utter nonsense. Offside is a binary state you are either on or off.”
Speaking of rules, Alan Milligan emailed: “It’s about time that the rules were changed in relation to a country’s co-efficient ratings. It should be done on a personal basis. The likes of Celtic have benefited from Rangers gaining the most points over the past few years which has allowed them direct entry into the Champions League.”
Moving on and Celtic and Rangers have both been punished by the SPFL for their fans’ pyrotechnic displays at Hampden in this season’s Premier Sports Cup. But Gordon Black, Bonnybridge, said: “I fail to see the logic in the SPFL cutting the ticket allocation for League Cup ties at Hampden involving Rangers and Celtic. Does this mean if the clubs feature together in either a semi-final or final there will be 1,000 empty seats and a loss of revenue of around £50,000? If so the SPFL is in effect fining themselves rather than disciplining the clubs.”
Last word to Hibs fan Neil Renton, Leith, who’s not ready to let the derby bragging end just yet. He said: “To all the Hearts fans going on about the record against Hibs, so what? We are looking forward to a bright future under David Graydiola. Our team is heading for third while Hearts are heading for the bottom six.”