Graeme Souness has never been afraid to speak his mind.
But the former Scotland captain’s claim he wants Ukraine to dump our World Cup hopes at Hampden and go on to win the competition is extreme even by the Liverpool and Rangers legend’s standards.
Souness argued some things are bigger than football and that Ukraine reaching the World Cup would send a message of defiance to Russia.
But Hotline callers aren’t so sure.
Furious Harry McWhirter emailed: “Souness is an absolute disgrace! Up until now I respected the man as a player and a pundit but to come and say he hopes his country who have given him what he has today, riches and the rest, are beaten by Ukraine is a disgrace. He should never step a foot in Scotland again.”
Vincent McGhee, Greenock, said: “I'm sick of hearing fellow Scots rooting for Ukraine to beat us for the so-called ‘greater good’. If that’s the train of thought then where does that end? We may as well give Ukraine the World Cup now and not waste anyone's time. Graeme Souness and Hotline caller Robert Livingstone are in the extreme minority with this thinking.”
However, Gary Stevenson, Newtonhill, hit back: “Well done to Souness for actually saying what most of the country is thinking. Any decent minded Scot would be happy for Scotland to stand aside and let Ukraine progress. The publicity Scotland would receive for stepping aside would far outweigh going to a World Cup where we would only be making up the numbers. Perhaps the so called First Minister should have proposed forfeiting the tie.”
On to other matters and the sad news Andy Goram has been diagnosed with terminal cancer and has been given only six months to live brought a flood of well wishes for the iconic former Rangers and Scotland goalkeeper.
William Hutchison, Aberdeen, said: “As a Celtic fan I want to say I’m sorry to hear about Andy Goram. He looks so frail and unrecognisable. Keep fighting. Don’t give up and prove that your still unbeatable. Good luck.”
Alan McGaw, Alloa, said: “I’m shocked to hear how bad Andy Goram is. Being diagnosed with terminal cancer is horrible and scary. Andy, we are all thinking of you.”
Stephen Johnstone, Ardentinny, added: “The sad news regarding Andy Goram, the greatest goalkeeper Rangers never mind Scotland has ever seen, shocked me like many other supporters. His world class saves especially the one from Pierre Van Hooijdonk of Celtic was world class. Andy was up there with other great keepers Peter Schmeichel, Gordon Banks and Peter Shilton. Knowing Andy he will fight to the end.”
And Jim Mackenzie, East Kilbride, said: “Such sad news. What a fantastic goalkeeper. The loss of Rangers greats recently has been dreadful and now this news. My very best wishes to Andy and all that are close to him. Thank you for being a Rangers legend.”
Our own David McCarthy got a Hotline pat on the back for his column blasting UEFA over the horror show that saw Liverpool fans hemmed in and tear-gassed in frightening scenes ahead of the Champions League Final.
Jim Docherty emailed: “I was reading David McCarthy's article this morning and must say he’s got it spot on as football fans are getting the thin edge of the wedge. The authorities must be held accountable for the safety of travelling supporters, who are being treated with disdain by UEFA.”
And William Lang said: “David McCarthy’s piece was bang on but sadly it will continue. UEFA or FIFA don't care about the ordinary fan unless supporters stop going to the big finals. But that won't happen.”
Finally Jack Dorris emailed: “I was absolutely delighted to witness Real Madrid win the Champions League for the 14th time. Perhaps the English pundits will stop telling us that all the best players and teams in Europe play in the over hyped EPL. Chelsea, Manchester City and Liverpool tried but could not deal with Real Madrid. Is it too much to ask that Michael Owen and co engage their brains before spouting forth?”
