Full steam ahead in the title race as Celtic and Rangers made no mistake against Livingston and Aberdeen on matchday 30.
Ange Postecoglou was delighted with the Hoops’ dominant performance as they bust their Tony Macaroni hoodoo with a 3-1 win in West Lothian.
But Livi boss David Martindale reckons they were given a massive helping hand by the officials after a controversial corner award led to the opener and Tom Rogic handled in the lead up to the second goal.
No prizes for guessing what prompted the majority of Hotline calls on Sunday afternoon then.
William Hutchison, Aberdeen, said: “Though I’m glad Celtic won, we were lucky as two of the goals might not have stood, especially first one. Now we’re going to get the usual ‘refs and linesmen are again favouring Celtic’ backlash.”
You've called that spot on, William.
Graham Roberts, Edinburgh, hit out: “Another totally inept performance from an SPL referee. Nick Walsh should hang his head in shame and should not be given another match this season involving either of the Old Firm. How can he get so many basic decisions wrong in the one match? I'm worried that in the next derby Celtic will get all the decisions yet again and get the point they will be looking for.”
Chris Lowe, Yoker, said: “What a difference in linesman Frank Conner’s eyesight in seven days. He had 20-20 vision in chopping off two Morelos goals last weekend but can’t see Ralston knocking the ball out and incorrectly awards a corner that let to a goal. There’s a familiar pattern to all his errors over the years. No wonder Celtic don’t want VAR as officials are worth 15 points a season to them.”
John Wilson emailed: "Nick Walsh I hope you watch your embarrassing performance on Sunday night. Two mistakes led to the first two goals and I won't even mention the dodgy penalty decision."
Livi’s plastic also took a pounding from Alan McPherson, Cullen, who said: “With both Hamilton and Kilmarnock out of the Premiership only Livingston’s disgraceful pitch remains so can anyone explain why the other teams haven’t used their 11-1 majority to get rid of these awful surfaces once and for all? They have no place in top flight football.”
Alan McGaw, Alloa, was a satisfied Rangers fan after Saturday 1-0 defeat of Aberdeen. He said: “Not exactly the best of games but the three points is all that matters. If it means winning 1-0 for the rest of the season then I’m ok with that. I couldn’t understand why Aberdeen would park the bus and waste time in the second half. I think they would have been happy with the draw even though they were 10th in league until the Roofe caved in.”
Jim Mackenzie, East Kilbride, had a pop at the Dons - and Jim Goodwin in particular - saying: “As a Rangers fan I have no love for Aberdeen, having watched yesterday's game I have to congratulate Jim Goodwin for turning them into the new St Mirren. I have never witnessed such a weak display from an Aberdeen team coming to Glasgow. Not a single shot on target and parked the bus. Bottom three is where they deserve to be based on this display.”
Gary Clark emailed: “This league title could be won by the success of recent transfer acquisitions. Celtic new boys seem to have hit the ground running whereas questions must be asked of Ross Wilson and his recruitment team as too many haven’t been consistently contributing. Simpson, Wright , Sakala, Lundstram, Bacuna, Sands Ramsay and Diallo - the jury’s still out on the majority of them. Perhaps we should have paid the £500k for John Souttar in January, it could be telling in the run-in.”
Andrew Lamb, Fraserburgh, added: “The Aaron Ramsey saga is surely another example of taking on players whose best days are probably well behind them. Thomas Graveson and Roy Keane were both duds. Let's see if Rangers can get Ramsey fit and get some magic from a once mighty player.”
Sticking with transfers and Gerry Milligan, Erskine, said: “I’d like to see Stephen Kingsley at Celtic next season. He’s only 27 and can defend, pass, cross and take free kicks. Maybe offer Greg Taylor as a makeweight.”
The Sydney Cup row rumbles on but is it a blunder Down Under or an Oz-some idea by the Old Firm?
Stuart McLeod, Stepps, said: “I’d be delighted if Rangers pulled out of the farcical friendly on the other side of the world. Celtic fans have been telling us for a decade they don't need Rangers so let them go it alone.”
But Lance Little, Erskine, stirred the pot by saying: “Celtic try to help Rangers out financially and their fans throw it back in our face. They offer to help Rangers by piggy backing on our Ange homecoming. Some people are never happy.”
Finally and John Scott, Grassmoor, is a worried HIbs fan after a third consecutive goalless draw against St Johnstone. He said: “Deary me what is going on at Hibs? Another shocker served up for the fans. Never mind the fact we can't score, it's the standard of play that's most concerning. Some fans are consoling themselves with the delusional opinion that we're struggling due to having so many players out injured. Only they were just as bad when most of them were fit. No lack of effort but sorely lacking quality all over the park. And oh so boring.”
