Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s claim that Rangers “took over” after 25 minutes of their derby drubbing has caused a bit of stir.
Hotline callers took the Dutchman to task over his claim and reckon he was wildly wide of the mark with his assessment.
The champions went down 3-0 at Parkhead but Van Bronckhorst said after a Hoops whirlwind start they got to grips midway through the first half - despite conceding two more goals before the break.
Eddie Easson, Ballingry, said: “Van Bronckhorst must have been in one of those famous Amsterdam coffee shops when he made his 25-minute statement.”
Thomas Black emailed: “What game was Giovanni van Bronckhorst watching? It certainly wasn’t the same game as me.
“Rangers dominated after 25 minutes? They were not in the game in the first half. Celtic did not let them and it could have been five, six or 7-0 to Celtic if it was’t for Allan McGregor trying to make amends for his Ross County display.
“He stopped it from being a rout and Celtic took their foot off the gas in the second half.”
Liam Birney emailed: “Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s comments about taking control of the Glasgow Derby after 25 minutes are a combination of desperation, embarrassment and fan appeasement.
“He’s kidding no-one. There is the old adage that you can fool some of the people some of the time but not all of the people all of the time. He fooled no one with his words.”
Adam Gordon, East Lothian, said: “Had to laugh at Giovanni van Bronckhorst saying they took control of the derby after 25 minutes. Yeah, took control of a sinking ship.”
Some of Rangers’ problems predated Van Bronckhorst’s arrival and John Bruce emailed: “Before Steven Gerrard left Rangers, there was a lack of fight in the team.
“It was also obvious there were players who didn't want to be there. This was proved again against Celtic.
“A team fighting to stay top of the league gave in at the first whistle. At the third goal, instead of crouching down, Borna Barisic might as well have raised his hands and said - ‘I surrender’.
“Ryan Kent hasn't kicked a ball this season. Connor Goldson has yet to sign a contract. Hopefully, Gio is strong enough to weed out those who don't have the stomach for the fight and only plays those who have from now on.
“Sunday will be a battle - and no Rangers player should fear it.”
Celtic fans are loving it with a new star born in Reo Hatate and David Bryce, Troon, said: "I don’t want to get carried away with Reo Hatate. He is clearly only about 70 per cent fit at the moment.
“However, I see a lot of Lubo Moravcik in him and he could fetch the club £20 million in a couple of years.
“I have my reservations about Daizen Maeda. He works incredibly hard but he definitely lacks the quality that Kyogo possesses.”
Ciaran Mallon, Belfast, said: “What a journey we are on this season at Celtic. Kyogo gave us belief that we could challenge Rangers then we were drooling over Jota and a resurgent Tom Rogic.
“We lose these guys to injury and international duty and up pop Reo Hatate and Matt O’Reilly to keep us smiling.
“And all the time our defence is improving and our captain keeps running the show.”
Kris Boyd angered Celtic over his comment that Rangers players should have 'tested' Callum McGregor's protective face mask.
Paul McCormack, Coatbridge, said: “To suggest ankles should be bitten or protective face masks 'tested' is a sad state of affairs.”
Robbie Devlin emailed: “I’m appalled by Kris Boyd’s comments. To say the Rangers players should have been testing Calum McGregor’s face mask is way out of order.
“For a pundit to say that, especially when he’s played the game, is frankly disgusting.”
