Scotland's Hampden history makers took another giant step towards Germany 2024 with a win over Georgia in monsoon hit Mount Florida. But for some Hotline callers the flooded playing surface which forced the game to be temporarily suspended should never have been given the green light to restart.
Stephen Johnstone, Ardentinny, said: "Scotland weathered the storm on a Ahamden pitch to sink Georgia to sit top in their group of death in the European qualifiers. The fans can look out their passports and book their tickets to Germany and you would not bet against them reaching the Final. Steve Clarke, his players and his backroom staff have made history by winning four games on a trot from the start of a campaign and merit huge congratulations."
Frank Cameron, Shotts, said: "It was brilliant again from Scotland and the win over Georgia may have been played out in farcical conditions but we are now all but through the group and can look forward to being at the finals in Germany." Neil Renton, Edinburgh, said: "Clarke must go down as one of the best Scotland managers ever. What he’s managed to get from the squad he has is unreal. Not only are they a footballing force but they appear to be a dab hand at water polo."
Scott Gowers said: "Thank goodness the Scotland v Georgia game continued as around 40,000 paying fans would be denied access had it been played out at St Mirren’s ground. Many fans have bought tickets off other fans as they couldn't make the game and these fans would not get a refund, the other scenario is how do the SFA decide the 40,000 who are to miss out? Both teams were fine to restart the game in worse conditions but Georgia decided as they were one goal down they didn’t want to continue and tried to sway the officials to call it off."
David McBride, Glasgow, said: "I honestly don't know how that game was played to a finish as it was a danger to both sets of players. There was no consideration to the supporters as the game eventually finished around 11.20pm and public transport was shutting down for the night. I'm delighted Scotland won but how that pitch was deemed playable was beyond me."
Brian Duff, Glenrothes, said: "It was a total farce from Georgia and the officials. There was supposed to be a 9.15pm restart but then we had a Georgia no-show and at that stage the points should have been awarded to Scotland. We are too soft as a football nation."
Ian Urquhart said: "It was a total embarrassment as that game should never have gone ahead as players welfare should come first. That surface could have caused a serious injury to one or more of the players so how on earth did the authorities allow that game to restart?"
Frank McFerran, Carrickfergus, said: "It looks like my second team will reach the European Finals, I’m a Northern Ireland fan but Scotland are my second team and they remind me of Northern Ireland under Michael O’Neill the first time around."
Billy Thompson said: "We got another victory in a game that should never have taken place and if I were the Georgian officials I would be putting in a complaint that the SFA forced the referee into playing this game. I have been in charge of football games that have been postponed with less water on the pitch and it could have caused a serious injury. it's a shame we have to go to these lengths to win a game."
Paddy Gowans said: "I don't see the point of Brendan Rogers taking the Celtic job as he won everything the first time around. "Where's the motivation going to come from? He doesn't need the money, it's a strange one for me."
Peter McBryan, Cardonald, said: "Are you really expecting us to believe that Rangers will make money out of Malik Tillman? Pull the other one. He's a Bayern Munich player, end of story."
Andrew Lamb, Fraserburgh, said: "Rangers have an ongoing struggle to sign a striker which suggests they are looking in the wrong place. I say again, Ross Stewart at Sunderland and Jerry Yates at Blackpool are both players who score regularly and are affordable."
READ NEXT
