Ange Postecoglou has guided Celtic to their tenth Premiership title in 11 years - but the Rangers fans insist they don’t care.
The Ibrox outfit are instead too busy dreaming of Europa League glory, but their Parkhead rivals are adamant they couldn’t give a toss about their date with destiny in Seville.
Yet for two supports who say they have no interest in what the other lot are up to, they sure spend a heck of a lot of time bickering about each other.
Kicking off a bumper Hotline special is Hoops fan Dean Ridgers, Barrassie, who said: “Most Celtic fans really don’t care what happens next week, we’ll be too busy celebrating Ange’s impossible title win. What we do care about is the beautiful city and people of Seville and hope for a trouble free movement of fans before and after the game.”
Gordon Ashley, Ayr, said: “In reply to the caller yesterday saying Rangers winning the Europa League would be our worst nightmare, don’t make me laugh.
“Being liquidated and having to listen to fans of all clubs singing ‘You’re not Celtic anymore’ every week for the rest of our days or Rangers equalling our European Cup win are our only nightmares.”
But Gers supporter Dave Campbell said: “Celtic have won the title but let’s be honest, no-one will remember this season’s league campaign if we win next Wednesday.
“A European title will always overshadow domestic prizes and that’s exactly what will happen if Rangers lift the Europa League. No-one will care!”
And John Scott, Grassmoor, added: “Please, I'm begging you. Enough of the mine's bigger than yours pantomime from Rangers and Celtic fans on the Hotline.
“When Celtic won the European Cup in the 60s, players went for a few pints and a couple of mince pies after training.
“There is no comparison between then and today's ultra professional game. Win or lose in Seville, Rangers will have played 17 Europa League games. No matter the name or standing of the competition it will be a remarkable achievement. If they win, it will also by far trump a two-team contested Premiership title. To deny otherwise is delusional.”
That’s not a view shared by the Hoops support after their team was written off by all and sundry last summer.
Gerry Kelly said: “Congratulations to Celtic on winning the league title. Order has been restored in Glasgow!
“As for the haters and doubters claiming Rangers would win the league by Christmas as Ange was a nobody, well a nobody has just won the league!”
Lance Little, Erskine, added: “Ten league titles in the last 11 years. Those are sensational stats and include a quadruple Treble and a REAL domestic invincible season!
“Celtic , you make us all so proud and honoured to follow a team like you. Our manager has made a great start to his tenure. Hail Hail, the Celts are back.”
David Bryce, Troon, emailed in: “Huge congratulations to Celtic for winning the league. What a huge achievement. Ange has done an amazing job. The Champions League money will allow us to improve the team further.”
Eddie Easson, Ballingry, said: “Congratulations to Celtic, a fantastic achievement against all odds. Rangers were supposed to dominate Scottish football for years but are now miles behind Celtic on every front from achievements, boardroom, stadium and now league placing. They do have the Scottish Cup and diddy European competition to look forward to, though.”
Stephen Mulhern, Dumbarton, also said: “After a season of despair to a season of delight, I’d like to thank Ange Postecoglou for taking Celtic from second best to simply the best. I also read that Scott Brown politely declined an offer to hand over the league trophy after Saturday's final game. However, I’d like to see him being offered the chance of unfurling the league flag next season instead.”
But John Stewart, Newton Mearns, said: “Celtic should give a big thanks to Allan McGregor for handing them the league this year. The goals he threw against Hearts, Motherwell, Ross County and Celtic were ridiculous.”
Bluenose Stacey Allan said: “Congratulations to Celtic on winning their 10th title in 11 years. Especially after that huge rebuild when they were voted out by their greatest rivals (and the rest) to start afresh from the lowest division around 10 years ago... oh wait, that's a different team that rebuilt on a totally different level. Anyway, here’s to 11 embarrassing attempts at European competition in 11 years.”
The Rangers fans were also queuing up to bite back at two of Wednesday's callers who hit out at the level of opposition faced by Gio van Bronckhorst’ s team on their way to Seville.
Derek Adese, Dundee, said: “About Liam Birney’s comments about Rangers not beating any league champions on this run. I’m positive we saw off Red Star Belgrade, champions of Serbia. Maybe best for Liam to check his facts.”
Lewis Fotheringham, Mount Ellen, added: "Can I remind Kenny Wilson that Rangers beat a side sitting second in the Bundesliga and the fourth placed team in the same league who have won more points than Bayern Munich since December.”
