Rangers overcame toilet roll, tennis balls and eventually a tenacious Dundee to keep their title hopes on track in Tayside.
James Tavernier also missed a penalty in a game halted several times by Gers’ fans protests over the Sydney Super Cup.
But it was ref Bobby Madden who Hotline callers reckons should be put on the spot for the first half call.
Ian Melrose, Edinburgh, said: “How many times do we need to see Rangers given penalties that no other club get before we admit we have a problem with referees? I’ve watched Hibs for 30 years and we’ve never been awarded a penalty like the ones Rangers have been given against Dundee and Aberdeen. It’s an utter farce.”
John Caw emailed: “I tuned in to see what Rangers' penalty was for. You couldn’t make it up, if that’s a penalty then there should be penalties in every other minute of the 90. If they want Rangers to be champions again why not just give them it?”
Stephen Cameron called from Cyprus to say: “The reason that Rangers get more penalties than anyone else is not down to referees - it's an active part of their game plan. Maybe if their focus when in the opposition box was getting the ball in net and not looking for a penalty they wouldn't be behind Celtic.”
Giorgos Giakoumakis helped himself to a hat-trick as Celtic made it 31 domestic games unbeaten with a 4-0 thumping of Ross County.
And David Bryce, Troon, said: “It is looking likely that Gioukoumakis will be the man to take us to the title. What appeared impossible may be realistic thanks to the scoring exploits of a man who started slowly but is now showing why he was the top scorer in the Netherlands last season. His signing for a low fee may prove to be a masterstroke come the end of May.”
Celtic were already 3-0 up against County when Kayne Ramsay was red carded for a crunching tackle on Tom Rogic. But ref Don Robertson’s decision still sparked a debate with one caller claiming it was no worse than Reo Hatate’s against Dundee United
John Wilson, Glasgow, said: “If Rogic didn't bottle out of the tackle with Ramsay then it would simply be two guys contesting a 50-50 ball. Is Ramsay just supposed to put in a wee limp leg tackle to win the ball? If Ramsay's tackle was a red then John Beaton clearly bottled it last week with Reo Hatate’s tackle at Dundee United.”
But William Hutchison, Aberdeen, argued: “Before anyone gets on their high horse about the Ross County red card, Ramsay should have been booked for a challenge on Daizen Maeda earlier. So that made up for it.”
Okay then.
Moving down the Premiership table and an incredibly congested mid section sees seven sides separated by just four points. Competitive maybe. But is it a sign of quality?
George Wilson, West Sussex, said: “The SPFL has become a total joke. This may seem like a good and competitive league until you realise none of the bottom nine have won even a third of their games and all of them have lost more games then they have won and all with a negative goal difference. I’ve seen them all play home and away against Rangers with 10 behind the ball making very little effort to win games. It’s scandalous to think with such negativity that one or more of these teams may be rewarded with a place in Europe.”
Ryan Porteous was back in the bad books for HIbs after being sent off in the 3-1 defeat at Aberdeen.
George Fairgrieve emailed: “Hearts’ central defenders Craig Halkett and John Souttar score goals while Hibs central defenders collect red cards. Ryan Porteous has become a liability who can’t be trusted, punt him now.”
And Rab Hunter, Dumfries, added: “Any truth in the rumour that Hearts are going to appeal the Ryan Porteous red card as they want him available for both of the upcoming derbies for which he will now surely be banned having been sent off yet again?”
Motherwell’s last gasp defeat at St Johnstone made it 11 league games without a victory for Graham Alexander’s struggling Steelmen.
And Robert Howson, Larkhall , has had enough. He said: “We have taken five points from 33 in the last 11 games. The worst run of results ever in the Premier League and Alexander is still talking about qualifying for Europe. He should maybe concentrate on keeping us out of the relegation and play off places. Or better still pack his bags and leave town. Unfortunately the board were stupid enough to give him a three-year contract.”
The bullet talk didn’t stop with football either. Scotland’s dismal Six Nations campaign ended with another defeat in Ireland and Andy Lanigan, Bishopbriggs, said: “Surely it’s time for Gregor Townsend to go. Another feckless, ill—disciplined, error-strewn display against Ireland. This after indiscipline off the field as well. We have some great individuals but are beaten too easily as a team by stronger and better organised sides. Time for a change.”
