Celtic are 10,000 miles away Down Under while the Rangers squad are also on a beach somewhere after jetting out for some much-needed R&R. But you never have to look too far on the Hotline to find Old Firm fans squabbling and today’s no different.
There was more disappointment for the Hoops in Oz as they were edged out on penalties by Everton, with more frustration for Ange Postecoglou as he watched his side pass up a string of big chances. David Bryce, Troon, was first up to say: “Celtic dominated Everton but our need for a top-class striker has never been greater. Kyogo and Giorgos Gioukoumakis simply cannot be relied on at the top level.
“A huge concern also is how poor we are at penalties. Do we not practice in training? The amount we miss is absolutely shocking!” But bluenose Gary Stevenson, Newtonhill, saw an opportunity to have a pop after the Celts’ Sydney struggles. He said: “Well done to Celtic. I believe that they are leading the Chances Created Stats in the Super Sydney Cup.
“I hope that they receive some coefficient points for their efforts. They seem to be running out of excuses blaming VAR and jetlag for their performance in what is a Mickey Mouse event."
Martin Baird, Glasgow, added: "Every Celtic fan can see their team are bang average and every time they play any team above the SPFL dross, they lose.
“The embarrassing achievement of being knocked out by the likes of Bodo/Glimt in all three European competitions in one season and now Sydney FC show this. It’s clear that teams are now learning how to play against Ange’s style as many games are tighter with Celtic relying on soft, injury-time goals to sneak narrow wins.
“Rangers have had four central defenders and most key attacking midfielders out for half or more of this season, otherwise we all know things would be different.”
Gio van Bronckhorst is clinging on to his job at Ibrox and Celtic fan Paul Conner rang to say: “Why are the Rangers fans surprised that Gio is staying as manager of the Govan side? The Ibrox club has no money to off their manager and his assistants. Giving him till the end of the season is an excuse.
“How is he supposed to find decent players during the January transfer window, especially with no money to spend? Don't forget UEFA looking into their accounts. Beware Americans offering ‘gifts’!”
But Davy Stuart, Blantyre, reckons it’s time up for the Dutchman: “The silence coming out of Ibrox from a board who clearly cannot read the room is deafening.
“Having had to pay Mike Ashley’s latest compensation instalment, I suspect the level of severance pay required for Gio and his team is a step too far for us and this is driving the inability to make the right call. All the more concerning is the sight of the Celtic team bonding and raising their profile and brand in Oz.
“Meanwhile, we are faced with pictures of our overweight, unfit and soon to be out-of-contract striker living it up drinking cocktails on a beach somewhere in South America. New board and management required.”
