Gio van Bronckhorst and Rangers are under heavy fire after defeat in Perth.
The Dutchman and his toiling troops came off second best to St Johnstone to pile more pressure onto them as they fell seven points off the title pace. Rangers were impotent at McDiarmid Park and the loss has angered many Light Blues fans who contacted the Hotline.
Forbes McGarva, Doncaster, covered a range of individuals and said: “What a shambles this season has been at Rangers. An unwanted new record in the Champions League. The team is an embarrassment. Ryan Kent and Alfredo Morelos won’t sign new contracts and look as if they want away. Let them go. They have provided nothing this season. James Sands, Scott Wright, Borna Barisic and Malik Tillman are not in the Rangers class. A season too far for Allan McGregor, Scott Arfield and Steven Davis. Glen Kamara strolls about like a world beater and provides nothing, when he is not injured.
“We have a manager and captain that talks up the opposition and that is passed onto the players. The board has to take drastic action as this cannot continue. We need need someone that motivates the team, we need change now before all our season turns to a disaster.”
Thomas McArthur emailed to say: “Rangers must make changes in the next transfer window not in the summer they need to replace the defence for a start and someone who can break down a defence and pass a ball. Kent does not want to play for us. One game in 10 is not good enough. Ryan Jack spends most of the season injured and John Souttar looks like another Daniel Prodan. Permanently injured.
“Start rebuilding at the next window for next season and get rid of the deadwood now. Every Rangers player who gets injured is out for months and not a week.”
Jamie Thompson, Clydebank, said: “It is time. No more of this utter rubbish. Sick of Van Bronkhorst. His pathetic excuses, players’ pathetic excuses. Sorry, they can take their apologies to their next club. Van Bronkhorst sacked on Monday or there will be serious fan reaction.”
Rob Simpson, Pender got in touch to say: “Rangers were flat. Plenty of ball, but no zip or energy. Brain dead. Things need to change or they will finish, at best, fourth in the league.”
The difference between Rangers’ lack and drive and belief in Perth was in contrast to Celtic’s never-accept-setbacks approach at Parkhead the previous day as the champions' win over Dundee United to extend their lead at the top to seven points.
That was pointed out by Arrin Geddes, Irvine, who said: “Celtic played at 70 per cent for 90 minutes, but lifted it after getting a fright and saw it through like the champions that they are.
"But the Rangers performance was just lacking in quality and predictable in the last third. Gio must stay!”
Robert McEwan, Mount Vernon, added: “Another great ending by Celtic. Scoring late goals is a better feeling than winning 5-0. As for VAR, it is spoiling the game big time.”
John Caw wasn’t happy with the penalty given on advice of VAR official Nick Walsh against Alexandro Bernabei. He said: “At Tynecastle, Walsh denied Celtic a penalty. But on VAR, he’s asked David Dickinson to look at an elbow by Bernabei who didn’t have a clue as his back was turned. Old Nick wants to make his mind up.”
But Henry Moffat, Stirling, ended on positivity as he said: “What a fantastic place Celtic are in. A great manager, playing great football, exciting young players worth a fortune and over £30m in the bank before this year's Champions League cash even registers. With more Champions League cash almost guaranteed next season!”
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