Celtic may be charging towards a domestic Treble on the back of a 26-game unbeaten domestic run but rivals were in bullish mood when talking up their chances of halting the Hoops this week.
Hearts keeper Zander Clark reckons they can take confidence from their 3-1 defeat at Parkhead on Wednesday to have a real go at the champions in this afternoon’s Scottish Cup quarter final. And Antonio Colak says Rangers’ “amazing” performance against Hibs midweek has shown they are capable of levels which can take them to “big dominance” in the future.
However, Charles Buchanan emailed: “So Zander Clark says a repeat performance against Celtic in the cup could send Hearts to Hampden. I think Joe Hart had one save to make on Wednesday. Yes Hearts had moments in the game but we had two fullbacks that hadn't kicked a ball for a long time. And left out key players. They will all be back for cup. Semi final here we come.”
Eddie Easson, Ballingry, said: “Now it's Colak bumping his gums. Let's be frank and honest if Rangers end up with no trophies this will be an abject disaster. If Celtic beat Rangers in the next two league games they could be 15 clear at the end of the season. Not only a disaster but an embarrassment.”
Meanwhile Robbie Neilson looks to have escaped any SFA charge over his decapitation claims at Celtic Park. But Hotline callers are convinced it should be a case of ‘off with his head’ for his remarks.
Harry Fitzpatrick called from Ontario, Canada, to say: “Can you imagine if Neil Lennon was making the claims Neilson is making week in and week out? What happened to the old days when the compliance officer would take action? Then we have VAR, every goal Celtic score is scrutinised, Maeda’s goal was at least a yard onside but still took over three minutes to confirm. Maybe the SFA could use the ‘We Never Stop’ saying as they are trying everything possible to stop Celtic.”
John Kearney emailed: “For Robbie Neilson to talk about decapitation he should look no further than his assistant who nearly took the head off Leigh Griffiths with his elbow at Hampden some years ago.”
But from the totally opposite side Ian McKay emailed: “Again we all presumed that when VAR was implemented we would see fair decisions. Well, well, Celtic are still getting the decisions for them in every game, is VAR based at Celtic Park and ran by their canteen staff? Robbie Neilson is correct, until there is a decapitation Celtic will continue to be let off with decisions that normally go against all other clubs. The rest of Scottish football are fed up with it.”
And Alfie Mullin, London, said: “A new medical term should be coined for Celtic fans. VARanoia. They always have this conspiracy theory that the officials are against them and now they are annoyed, because since VAR came in, they haven't been getting away with the dodgy decisions they used to get away with, before it's introduction. So they are VARanoid.”
Lastly and Rangers fans’ chanting throughout Hibs’ tribute to Ron Gordon at Easter Road came in for more condemnation - from some of their own supporters too.
Frank McFerran, Carrickfergus, said: “As a Rangers fan I am disgusted by the disgraceful singing at the Hibs game, they not only let their parents down but let their club down. They may pay their money to watch Rangers but they are not supporters.”
Ian Urquhart emailed: “On a night when rivalry should be put to one side to honour Ron Gordon Hibs fans sang the brilliant Sunshine on Leith the Rangers fans disgraced there club again by singing there sectarian anthems that have no place in Scottish football. Shame on them.”
READ NEXT
