Michael Beale was at pains to clarify he wasn't disrespecting Celtic by calling them the 'other team' but Hotline callers believe the man doth protest too much.
The new Rangers boss isn't endearing himself to some observers who clearly aren't convinced. Jim McClean, Rothesay, emailed: "Beale is now telling us he was not disrespectful with his comments about the 'other team', he is just showing his lack of class by not saying Celtic. He was disrespectful to Gio van Bronckhorst by turning up at Ibrox for the Aberdeen game and saying he was catching up with friends. He had 18 months to do that but chose to be classless at that time as well. He should put his brain into gear before he speaks."
Craig Anderson, Glasgow, said: "It may have been a very innocent comment which was taken too far as Beale claims but I think he knew exactly what he was saying. It's the kind of language which is used to endear him to the fans and he's not new to Glasgow and the Old Firm goldfish bowl so he knows his words will be picked over and scrutinised."
Drew Ferguson, Oban, emailed: "Beale said he has never seen an injury list like the one he has just now. But is it really a surprise when Filip Helander, Kemar Roofe, Ben Davies and John Souttar were brought to Rangers with injury problems as long as your arm before getting to Ibrox?"
Harry Devine, Stepps, said: "Rangers have had a run of terrible luck when it comes to having players out injured for the long-term but they really need to address the medical background of new signings as there's clearly an issue with recruitment. It's more than just bad luck as Helander and Souttar aren't robust enough."
Jimmy Murray, Edinburgh, came out with this: "Celtic fans should get their priorities right. What's all the fuss about Beale and the 'other club' comment? Surely, like myself, they should be asking why the club couldn’t keep Ben Doak, yet when it comes to injury prone passengers, as in James Forrest and hanger on coaches like John Kennedy, they will sign on no problem."
Eddie Easson, Ballingry, emailed: "After Callum McGregor's performance against an absolutely shocking Aberdeen team, surely he is by far the best player in Scotland? Heaven only knows what his worth is. A proven international, ultimate team player, ball winner, great passer, no excess baggage and a regular goal scorer. Let's start the bidding at £50million."
Paul McArdle, Gourock, emailed: "To all these Rangers fans claiming Aberdeen and Jim Goodwin rolled over against Celtic, let me just say that we only beat Aberdeen by one goal but we hammered Rangers 4-0. Did Rangers lie down to us?"
Chris Lowe, Yoker, laughed: "Josip Juranovic to Barcelona? I would be embarrassed writing that. His one goal and two assists in 20 odd games must be really impressing suitors or maybe it’s the regular European hammerings he and his Celtic team have been on the receiving end of. What's next, Anthony Ralston to Man City?"
Alan Flett emailed: "Argentina winning the World Cup does not make Lionel Messi the best ever. He already was the best ever regardless of whether he won the World Cup or not. As for the final being the best game ever!? No chance.! For seventy minutes it was a non-event. If Angel Di Maria had not been subbed, Argentina would have won 2-0 and it would be remembered as the most one-sided final ever."
Derek Adese, Dundee, emailed: "I cannot believe the rubbish and hyperbole over a rotten 75 minutes of World Cup final football. "I'm 60-years-old and easily remember the Brazilian team which lifted the trophy in 1970."
William Simpson, emailed: "For this World Cup final to be named the best ever, you need to take into consideration that France lay dormant for the first eighty minutes and then exploded."
Alan Lough, Dunbar, emailed: "Messi finally getting his hands on the World Cup is easily one of the greatest achievements in sporting history. He has now won everything and deserves his place beside Diego Maradona."
