Celtic and Rangers looked to have conjured up a bit of wizardry with their plans for a friendly in Oz by uniting the rival supports - even if it was in condemnation.
News the Glasgow giants are set to lock horns Down Under brought fierce outcry from both fanbases on Wednesday.
Alfie Mullin, London, said: “What a bad idea, holding a Rangers - Celtic friendly during the mid-season break. What if players are injured? You'll have conspiracy theories galore, with people saying that one side is trying to sabotage the other side's league prospects. Knock it on the head now.”
However it turns out not everyone thinks it’s a bad idea.
Stephen Cameron emailed: “So once again the Green Brigade and their similarly insular and arrogant band across the city think they speak for the majority of supporters. There are many fans in Australia just as passionate about their club as them but unfortunately don't get to see them often if at all. They want to spoil this little chance of going along to show their support not to mention broadening our worldwide fanbase. This spoiled, entitled part of both teams’ fanbase create a great atmosphere and do a lot of good but unfortunately their self-entitled mentality dilutes all the good things.”
And Sean Beech, Hampshire, said: “It would seem some people are never happy. Rangers and Celtic fans complaining about the potential of a ‘friendly’ in Oz should really come back and live in the real world. The cash aside, they are trying to deny their fellow fans who live on that side of the world the chance to savour something they thought would never be possible. Both clubs should be applauded.”
Onto the action closer to home and both sides kept their title race on course with wins on Wednesday night.
Not that fans were too encouraged by either Rangers 1-0 win at St Johnstone or Celtic’s 2-0 victory over St Mirren.
Rangers fan Ian Renton, Johnstone, said: “They thought it couldn’t get any worse, but then we played St Johnstone. Yes, it was a cabbage patch, but it was a deplorable performance by Rangers. Is the laundry bill getting too expensive that we could not offered to use any subs or has Gio van Bronckhorst decided they are just not good enough? Why oh why does he not put on fresh legs in these conditions for the last 30 minutes?”
Hoops supporter Kenny Wilson, Moffat, said: “Another unconvincing win from Celtic but more importantly it’s three points and another game nearer getting our title back. Passing is slow and our movement non-existent compared to earlier in the season when we were running teams into the ground. They will have to up their game though as performances like this will not win the title.”
And David Bryce, Troon, said: “Celtic won against St Mirren however once again the performance level was totally unacceptable. Ange’s slow side to side toothless style puts me to sleep, it’s so boring and unimaginative. Thankfully Josip Juranovic is playing out his skin at the moment however the rest of the side are woefully off form.”
Onto international matters now and with no decision over whether Scotland’s World Cup play-off against war-torn Ukraine will go ahead, one caller reckons it’s time for compassion to be the winner.
Brian Wilson emailed: “The SFA has issued a message of support to Ukraine With support from the Welsh and Austrian football authorities let’s go one massive step further and as a measure of total support concede the play-offs to ensure that Ukraine are given a bye straight to the finals. Irrespective of the outcome of the invasion by Russia this will ensure that the Ukrainian football team, unlike Russia, take part in the upcoming 2022 World Cup. Ukraine’s inclusion can represent a strong political and sporting message to Russia.”
Hibs fired a seventh blank in their last nine league matches in the goalless draw at bottom side Dundee.
And Kevin Lord, Drylaw, moaned: “I have really wanted to defend Shaun Maloney. But Hibs could save a bomb selling posts and nets at Easter Road - they never use them.”
And Killie fan James McClean, Rothesay, was equally bemused with his side after they blew the chance to reach the SPFL Trust Trophy Final by losing to Raith.
He groaned: “Another horrendous show by the Killie players. Raith wanted to be in the final more than Killie, it would not surprise me if Derek McInnes handed in his resignation at the end of the season If not before as he must be as sick as me watching that dross every week. If they go up they will be straight back down.”
