Giovanni van Bronckhorst and Rangers are in the firing line again as Hotline contributors queued up to make their feelings known on another poor night in the Champions League. Rangers’ defeat in Naples means they could end up with the worst record in the competition’s group-stage history if they don’t get something against Ajax on Tuesday.
Robert McNab, Dunoon, said: “What another disgrace that was. Gio and Tav were almost celebrating a 3-0 scoreline which was only down to Napoli taking their foot off the gas. Gio has made a lot of mistakes, but he isn’t the biggest issue at Ibrox. The board is. And, in Ross Wilson, we have someone who couldn’t see talent if it jumped up and hit him in the face. Gio will probably lose his job before long, but we will not address the rot and horrendous recruitment until we get rid of this crew. The fans deserve better.”
Robert Livingstone, Palm Beach, said: “Poor defensive marking gave Napoli an early jump out of the starting blocks and Rangers couldn’t recover. No matter the Aberdeen result, a change of management is a must to win the league. Someone ruthless who can turn it all around quickly before it’s too late.”
Frank McFerran, Carrickfergus , continued: “A 3-0 defeat for Rangers seemed like a win in the dressing room. Terrible campaign. No other words for it. Attack shocking, defence shocking.”
Eddie Easson, Ballingry, said: “What a difference a year makes. This time last year Rangers fans on here were mocking Celtic. Their team has been embarrassed this year and they can make all the excuses they want. Their manager is a dead man walking. Their board is clueless.”
Paul Connor emailed to say: “A game where Rangers were not in the running. Alfredo Morelos, Ryan Kent, etc. shown up yet again. One goal in five games, heading for history books.”
Neil Renton, Edinburgh, said: “I’m glad Rangers players are doing their best to help the environment. Their performances in Europe are so inept and weak that opponents hardly break into a sweat when they play meaning they don’t need to wash their kits.”
Paul McArdle, Gourock, said: “Shakhtar Donetsk player: Here watch this, this is the worst sitter in football history. Alfredo Morelos: Here, haud my beer.”
Celtic are also out of the Champions League, but, although their performances have been stronger than Rangers, George Wilson, West Sussex, is still critical. He said: “After they drew away with Shakhtar, we heard from the over-confident Celtic camp it would be a minimum of four points against Leipzig then a home win over Shakhtar to secure second place and qualification. Have these people not seen Celtic's results in Europe over the years? So it’s ironic and comical that Celtic have apparently been so good in Europe despite finishing bottom yet are out of Europe before everyone else again, whilst the appalling Rangers can still qualify for the Europa League. Spare us the goals differential nonsense. As it stands, Celtic are out of Europe and Rangers are not.”
Domestically, it’s weekend two for VAR after a turbulent start, but Dougie McKay, Crewe, said: “VAR has been used in England for years. People there still complain that officials get it wrong, but they don’t use it to shout conspiracy. Laughable fans detailing bad decisions by an official years ago. Do they have all these on file? Let it go. It happens to every club.”
Wullie Graham, Bristol, added: “It’s interesting hearing all the moaning and groaning coming from Celtic fans about not getting a penalty against Hearts. Not much has been said about the fact Hearts would not have got their first penalty without VAR. How many times in the past have we seen smaller teams being denied stonewall penalties against the Old Firm?”
It's been another tough week for Scottish clubs in Europe - but what do you make of Thursday's Hotline calls?
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