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Sports Hotline

No wonder Celtic fans want Rangers to continue in Europe after diabolical collapse - Hotline

Concerned Celtic fans hit the Hotline after a draw at Hibs on a weekend where Rangers blew a chance to close the gap.

The Ibrox side remain three points behind the leaders after sharing the spoils with Motherwell and letting slip a two goal lead but there's increased anxiety amongst the Hoops support.

Fraser Davison, Glasgow, said: "I have serious concerns about the recent Celtic performances. Our new signings appear to have dropped off in performance levels and they all look as if they are waiting for someone else to do something.

"Our passing is shocking and they look terrified to take a shot on.

"Big Ange should also have a word with Joe Hart and explain he needs to get the ball up the park and stop faffing about. When are Celtic's management going to get the fact we don't have a big target man to aim at up front?"

Rangers drew with Motherwell after throwing away a two-goal lead (SNS Group)

Michael Carberry, Glasgow, said: "Celtic are dropping down a gear just at the time we should be going up the way. Our play lacks intensity and the goal threat just isn't there as we never looked like scoring against Hibs. Even Jota looks out of sorts."

But if the green half of Glasgow is getting nervy that was mirrored across the Clyde after Gio van Bronckhorst's witnessed a second half collapse.

Lewis Fotheringham, Mount Ellen, said: "That was a diabolical second half from Rangers, particularly defensively.

"However, why did the manager not make more subs in the second half when it was clear fatigue was setting in?"

Gordon Hendry, Ochiltree, said: "You can see why Celtic fans wanted us to stay in Europe and for them to be knocked out.

"Rangers were superb against Dortmund and in the first half against Motherwell.

"Then the tiredness and slackness after Thursday night's efforts began to show, in one of the worst second-half performances from a Rangers team in a long time, handing the advantage straight back to Celtic who were absolutely dreadful against Hibs."

Kaiyne Woolery celebrates (SNS Group)

Unlike Sunday afternoon when both sets of fans had reasons to grumble, there were differing fortunes in Europe on Thursday night with and the reaction continues to pour in.

Jack Armstrong, Bathgate, said: "Can we just calm down a bit? It was a great performance by Rangers against Borussia Dortmund but just like Celtic, who have also beaten big teams, they both have done nothing in Europe for years.

"Apart from beating the odd big team they have also been beaten by some of the minnows. This is where we are in Scotland, what does it matter if you beat some big team but at the end of the day you win nothing?"

John Bruce, emailed: "The true scale of Rangers' achievement in beating tournament favourites Borussia Dortmund has to be put into perspective. Dortmund spent £200 million building their squad. Ryan Kent cost £7 million - more than the 10 other players in Rangers' starting XI on Thursday night put together. To be where Rangers are now is a phenomenal achievement. And the journey may not be over yet."

Patrick Cunningham, Denny, said: "It's as predictable as the sun coming up in the morning that have the Rangers fans coming out of their winter hibernation to claim they are world club champions for overcoming the great Dortmund. The greatest feat since Robert the Bruce defeated the English at Bannockburn."

William Stevenson emailed: "In the past I have moaned about referee performances in the Scottish game and championed the use of VAR. After watching the Rangers game against Dortmund, I'm not so sure it would make a difference after the decision not to award a third goal to the Light Blues."

Gary Stevenson, Newtonhill, said: "Matt O'Riley thinks that Celtic's European exit is a good thing. Let me explain something to Mr O'Riley, if Scotland cannot gain coefficient points it makes our league of no importance to people outside Scotland.

Celtic's Matt O'Riley during the UEFA Conference League Play Off second leg defeat to Bodo/Glimt (SNS Group)

"I understand that he has no knowledge of top class football having been signed from MK Dons. He will learn that European football fans do not care a lot about Quadruple Trebles, they only take note of performances in Europe. I hope that Rangers' performances in Europe can act as a springboard for all Scottish teams, the question is do they have the ambition?"

Alan Lough, Dunbar, said: "Manchester United are an embarrassment to watch, I'm mortified at the football they are playing.

"Cristiano Ronaldo is nothing more than a glorified penalty box poacher and a passenger in a team that doesn't need him and should never have taken him back. The fact United are fighting it out with other teams for a top four place and the Champions League spots is a joke."

And finally a few calls on Scottish boxing champion Josh Taylor's controversial win over Jack Catterall.

Stephen Minnis, Coatbridge, said: "Taylor should be waking up ashamed that he still holds the belts. His performance was as bad as the Hibs side he supports."

John Thatcher emailed: "Scottish boxing was left with a sick feeling because Taylor lost that fight and Scottish boxing fans should hang their heads in shame."

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