Celtic fans hit back at claims from across the city that all the big refereeing decisions are going their way - and some also voiced their hope that Scott Brown will find his way back to Parkhead in a coaching capacity after hanging up his boots.
Let’s start with Broony.
Robert McEwan, Mount Vernon, said: “What an incredible career Scott Brown has had. I would love to see him back at Paradise in some sort of role. A Celtic legend and he obviously has a lot of experience to pass on. He should never have been allowed to go.”
Eddie Easson, Ballingry, Fife said: “Broonie can look back on a fantastic playing career as the second great Scottish player to come out of the village Hill of Beath after Jim Baxter. He arrived at Celtic Park in 2007 knowing he had made the best decision of his life - like Kenny Dalglish - knocking back Rangers. Like King Kenny he will always be afforded hero status at Celtic.
"A player who gave 100 per cent for whatever team he played for. He suffered dark days in his career but always came back fighting. It would be great if Big Ange could find a place for him somewhere at Celtic.
"Good luck Broonie.”
But Kenny Goff emailed: “The only reason Scott Brown has left Aberdeen is because they are rubbish and he wants back to Celtic because they’re winning and he wants in on their glory. Typical of him.”
And Neil Renton, Edinburgh, said: “Instead of going into coaching, maybe Scott Brown should open up a card shop. He’s amassed quite a collection in his time as a player.”
Okay, onto referees...
John Steel emailed: ”Celtic are maybe getting some decisions their way, but as always throughout the season, these things even themselves out. It might be Rangers’ turn next week and you won’t hear the Rangers fans complain then. So stop blaming refs.”
Charles Buchanan emailed: “All this ‘it was a penalty, it wasn’t a penalty’ has gone on for decades. Do Rangers fans not remember the penalty they got at Parkhead when Kirk Broadfoot tripped over his own big feet with the ref trying to get out his way? He never saw it but gave Rangers the penalty anyway. That’s football.”
Bud Hay, Dumfries , said: “ May I remind Hotline caller Robert Allen from Rutherglen to keep an eye on his own team for dodgy decisions. I think he is getting afraid of what is going to happen when Celtic get their flag back. You only had a loan of it for one season.”
Dean Ridgers, Barassie , emailed: “More fabrication from Rangers fans on Celtic’s stance on VAR. These are the same people who’ll be quite happy after the split when they will probably benefit from a flawed seeding system . They’ll still get upset about something though, they always do,”
Geo Robinson, Edinburgh , said: “I’m sick of moaning Rangers supporters, who were nowhere to be seen for nine years, let their club die but now support the Phoenix club. John Bruce should stick to talking about his club that won the covid league with no fans.”
Patrick Cunningham, Denny, said: “I’ve never laughed so much after reading the Hotline RFC Moaning Minnie’s coming out with Celtic getting all these decisions during a game, Try going through 40 odd years of dodgy Rangers supporting referees. Also, if VAR was there, their goal against Aberdeen wouldn’t have stood as there was a clear foul by Calvin Bassey on Calvin Ramsay in the build up.”
Chris Currie, Ayrshire, emailed: “Rangers callers bemoan refereeing decisions going Celtic’s way all because they got “a corner” that wasn’t - nothing more. Strangely enough their memory deserts them on the 10, yes 10, red cards that should have but haven’t been administered to Celtic’s opponents this season already.
“Also not a peep from them about the aiding and abetting their club gets almost every game from the Rangers supporting officials. Incredulous bleating now Celtic have come through unscathed against Livingston and remain at the top.”
Jim Nichol, Armadale, said: “Just replying to the caller Gary from Newtonhill - the only thing Celtic are looking forward to is the Champions League next season, especially as Rangers’ domestic form is woeful.”
But John Bruce said: “Rangers’ performances in Europe have proved that they can take their performances to a higher level when it matters. Celtic’s performances proved that they can’t. So Rangers fans have no fears about their team of champions raising their game and doing whatever it takes to retain their title.”
Finally, Andrew Lamb, Fraserburgh, offered this: “Despite all the hype surrounding Nathan Paterson’s multi million pound transfer, it’s obvious the boy is already out of his depth. Hooked, and now dropped, how Frank Lampard must be ruing the waste of £11.5 million.”
