Celtic stormed six points clear in the title race after inflicting a damaging derby defeat on Rangers.
And happy Hoops on the Hotline were lining up quicker than you can say Cameron Carter-Vickers to rub it in and claim the Premiership crown is now in the bag,
The American’s winner moves Celtic to the cusp of the championship and the Champions League millions that come with it.
Dean Ridgers, Barrassie, said: “What a great first five minutes from Rangers, the next 90 showed who are by far and away the better team. Celtic completely controlled the game and look too strong for this Rangers side.”
Gordon Ashley, Ayr, said: “What a show from the champions elect. We showed them who is boss in this country and now the £40m they thought was in the bag is coming to Celtic barring a total collapse. What a manager Ange Postecoglou is and this is just the start because the Champions League cash will see him dominate for years.”
Andrew Lamb, Fraserburgh, added: “All credit to Celtic who defended magnificently but Rangers looked an ordinary side. They’re a one trick pony without Alfredo Morelos it seems.”
Arrin Geddes, Irvine, said: “Celtic proved they are not only the form team in Scotland’s Premiership, they are clearly the best. Rangers can take Giorgos Giakoumakis’ comments down from the dressing room wall now as it looks as if he was right.”
John Bruce emailed: “Could Rangers have been given a couple of penalties for handball against Celtic? Possibly. Would Rangers have gone so far in Europe by throwing aimless high balls in to the oppositions' box? Definitely not. Frustratingly, Rangers have been the architects of their own downfall. They have failed to turn up in too many domestic games or ditched the European style that has made them so successful for the long-ball game of the SPFL.”
However, Scott Gowers, Edinburgh , blasted: “Congratulations Celtic on their helping hand win by Willie Collum. The foul to card ratio is there for all to see. John Lundstram seemed to get booked for winning the ball but Callum McGregor not getting booked for his above knee swipe when on the deck was more of a booking if not a red. Celtic's second goal was well taken but when is backing in not a foul? Obviously Willie Collum doesn't know the laws of the game. The only advert that was shown here is the officials wanted Celtic to win.”
Meanwhile, Ian Gallagher, Kirkintilloch , joked: “After the debacle of pulling out of the Australian tournament, defeat at Ibrox means Rangers have now withdrawn from two competitions in the space of four days.”
Speaking of which.. away from the Govan derby and callers are still squabbling over Rangers pulling out the derby Down Under. Ibrox chiefs accused Sydney Super Cup organisers of being unwilling to fulfil their commitments.
But Steve McSherry, Uddingston , said: “Who are Rangers trying to kid with this complaint about issues surrounding the Sydney tournament? It’s all smoke and mirrors. The real reason is that they have caved in to their fans as they don’t want them to protest on Sunday in the Glasgow derby. They are a weak board who have simply bottled it.”
Andy Adams, KIrkcaldy , suggested: “Why don't the Old Firm organise their own tournament during the World Cup? They could invite two teams from England and promote it as the Platinum Jubilee Cup, similar to the Coronation Cup in 1953. I'm sure there would be sponsors interested. Imagine if Celtic won that as well!”
Bob Sheridan emailed: “So the Rangers board have finally caved in to a minority of supporters in order to keep them happy. I can only hope the team on the park don’t give in so easily or come up with rubbish excuses if they fail to win the league but no doubt the board will blame the SFA, the referees and anyone else who happens along. I really feel afraid for Rangers under this bunch of incompetent directors who are rapidly turning the institution into a laughing stock.”
Referees you say? Time for the Hotline’s weekly referee watch. Kevin Clancy and John Beaton look away now.
John Caw emailed: “Once again refereeing decisions going wrong. I have said before about Clancy and Beaton. Both had horrendous games on Saturday. Beaton should’ve sent Adam off and how Clancy didn’t give a penalty to Livingston is beyond comprehension. Refereeing in the other games was similar, too many mistakes.”
Meanwhile, disgruntled Hibs fan George Fairgreive, Edinburgh , was not impressed with Saturday’s draw with Dundee United. He said: “What a mess Hibs are in, one win in 12 league games and yet another goal lost to a header. We don’t need a goalie, we need a commanding centre half who can win the ball in the air. We’ve lost more goals to headers than Rangers have had penalties.”
Another club definitely not needing a keeper is Hearts after Craig Gordon’s latest wondershow in the draw with Ross County. Ian McDonald, Innerleithen , said: “Craig Gordon’s double save on Saturday was unbelievable. This guy just gets better and better. As the song goes, A Gordon for me, a Gordon for me!”
Finally, horse racing fan Iain Ashwood had a message for Ayr Racecourse chiefs after the Scottish National. He said: “I had a great day at Ayr on Friday apart from the prices – £6 for a pint and £4.50 for chips. I'm a season ticket holder and this is sheer extortion. Sort this out Ayr!”
