Old Firm battle lines are being drawn ahead of Sunday’s derby at Parkhead. But the bickering on the Hotline is still focused on Celtic and Rangers’ exploits on foreign soil.
Jose Mourinho and Fenerbahce are in Glasgow for Thursday’s Europa League last 16 second leg against Rangers – with the Ibrox side side holding a 3-1 first leg advantage, And Gary Stevenson, Newtonhill, said: “I understand that Celtic are trying to big up the Old Firm game this weekend with, once again, no European football to look forward to. Rangers on the other hand have bigger fish to fry. The Scottish coefficient champions welcome Jose Mourinho to Ibrox on Thursday with a place in the last eight at stake. I am sure that the whole of Scotland will be right behind them.”
Caller Gordon Ashley’s claims that the Europa League was a Mickey Mouse tournament before the final were never going to go unanswered. Gers fan Alan Flett fired back: “Yes Gordon, we know that you would rather mix it with the might of Young Boys and Bratislava because Celtic wouldn’t stand a chance v Mickey Mouse clubs such as Man Utd, Spurs, Lyon and Fenerbahce. We also know that you’re terrified of the possibility that Rangers could win the Europa League. There’s no reason why it can’t happen and Celtic fans know it.”
Alfie Mullen, London, said: “Sean McGarvey and Paul McArdle are still claiming Rangers are the worst team to have ever played in the Champions League. I still claim that two of Celtic’s opponents this season were worse. Surely losing to eight teams must be worse than getting beaten by three? One of Celtic’s other opponents were also beaten by seven teams. This shows that Celtic’s progression to the play offs, was a fluke.”
However, Celtic fan Robert McEwan, Mount Vernon, said: “It’s nice to our recent European opponents doing well in the main cup. Villa and Brugge playing each other in the last 16 and that team Bayern Munich are looking great. Can’t wait to be back again next season.”
Meanwhile, Donald Dundas, Uddingston, quipped: “I hear that Calvin Klein are bringing out a new version of their old after shave. Obsession. It features a green and white bottle with the Rangers crest at the heart. For a support that sing ‘you’re not Rangers anymore’, the interest in everything we do is overwhelming. Thanks to all you Celtic fans for caring.”
Barry Ferguson could give his chances of landing the Gers job permanently a huge boost by dumping Jose Mourinho out of Europe. But Thomas Harvey emailed: “Surely the Rangers supporters are looking for a bigger named manager than Barry Ferguson who has failed miserably at any managerial position he has had. From a Celtic point of view I would be delighted if he got the job full time.”
Back to domestic matters and Celtic fan Scott McAdam, Glasgow, said: “Three more wins wraps up a sixth treble in nine years. What an achievement from the champions. Especially when we won them all while Rangers were back in the league.”
Caller Alan Flett claimed yesterday that Kyogo and Matt O’Riley could be back at Celtic on cut-price deals after failing to make an impact at Rennes and Brighton respectively. But Andy Logan, Livingston, said: “I am struggling to see what Mr Flett’s point is about Celtic making millions in the transfer market? If Kyogo and Matt O’Reilly were to return for reduced fees they would make Celtic stronger and run riot against Rangers as they did before. This is surely better than letting contracts run down and getting the loose change from down the side of the couch for them? Jota will prove on Sunday how well Celtic do business.”
Arrin Geddes, Irvine, added: “Does Alan Flett’s surprising compliment towards the champions’ business dealings mean the penny has finally dropped? After yet another share issue just to keep the lights on till the big takeover is he wishing his own club could be more like the most successful club in Scotland?”
And Sean Beech, Hampshire, said: “If all the Rangers fans have left to throw at us is their bizarre fixation regarding our ex-players performances for their new clubs then I think we can all sleep easy.”