It takes something special for Hotline wind-up merchant Gordon Ashley to dish out praise to Rangers.
But having blown away Borussia Dortmund, even Gers’ Ayr assailant couldn’t shy away from the magnitude of the result at Ibrox which sees Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s team march on as Scotland’s sole remaining representative on the continent after Celtic were left frostbite in the Artic Circle.
There were plenty Rangers fans ringing in to ask what Mr Ashley was saying now having written off the Ibrox side’s chances last week.
Fair play, he was first on to respond, even if it was through gritted teeth.
The Celtic fan said: “Well done to Rangers it was genuinely a great result for Scottish football and well deserved over both legs.
“Some Celtic fans should lay off the manager as well, he did what most Celtic fans I know wanted him to do with his team selection against Bodo/Glimt and they won’t be moaning if he picks up all three points at Easter road in a vital match on Sunday."
George Wilson, West Sussex, was one of the Bears quick to pounce on the tormenting, saying: “Gordon Ashley was telling us last week it was only half time and Rangers had won nothing yet against a weakened Dortmund.
“Well it’s full time now Gordon and we beat the tournament favourites from the Bundesliga, one of the big five leagues you’re always on about. Meanwhile, his Celtic were an embarrassment yet again.”
Denis Bruce, Bishopbriggs was another Hoops fan big enough to praise his rivals, saying: “As a Celtic supporter, let me congratulate Rangers on reaching the last 16 of the Europa League and wish them more success in that tournament
“Naturally I extend my commiserations to Celtic whose European journey came to an end this season against Bodo/Glimt.
“Celtic are still a work in progress and the best will not be seen until next season when the Postecoglou system will be fully bedded in.”
But Rangers fan John Bruce couldn’t resist having a pop: “At Ibrox, Rangers had all of Europe talking after putting tournament favourites Borussia Dortmund out of the Europa League.
“Whilst in Norway, Celtic were only mentioned as they were, embarrassingly, the first team to be put out of three European tournaments in one season.”
Stacey Allan added: “Heres a suggestion to at least try and salvage the reputation of Scottish football in Europe. No matter who wins the league this year, Rangers should be given the automatic Champions League place next season. If Celtic win the league they should just step aside and keep the £40 million.
“Its a win win I tell you. Rangers will do Scotland proud while Celtic won’t have to fall flat on their faces.”
Gers fan Gary Stevenson, Newtonhill , said: “What a match! Absolutely brilliant performance from Rangers last night. It's been a long time since a Scottish club went toe to toe with a superpower and prevailed. Take a bow and good luck for the next round.”
Dr Robert Pender emailed in: “What a game, amazing energy and willingness to win. The Germans were strong but they just could not believe what was coming at them. Great for the Scottish game, great for Rangers, great for the players. It has raised the profile of players and it will be hard to hold on to some in the summer.”
But Neil Renton, Edinburgh, said: “Well done to Rangers in overcoming Dortmund in Europe. Let’s just hope they don’t get Dundee United if Ross County in the next round or they’ll struggle.”
Celtic now only have domestic affairs to contend with but Gerry Milligan, Erskine, reckons they should learn lessons from their Norwegian conquerors.
He said: “Bodo/Glimt reminded me of the Total Football the Dutch teams played in the 70s. They are interchangeable and looked liked they were roped together. Celtic might benefit from this exit if they concentrate on domestic prizes.”
But David Bryce, Troon, said: “Ange Postecoglou deserves all the criticism that comes his way after embarrassing our great club against the Norwegian minnows! On a night Fers did the country proud, Ange and our underachieving players shamed us!
“Forget the notion that Ange is a hero! He is a bang average coach and the truth is we have been woeful since Fir Park. If this Celtic side wins the league I will be absolutely stunned. They are absolutely woeful!”
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