Old Firm derby fever has gripped the followers of Rangers and Celtic but it’s not the only topic of conversation on the Hotline.
Oh no siree. The final instalment of 2022 also features a stern word for Hibs boss Lee Johnson, a kick up the backside for Celtic’s Matt O’Riley, a jibe at Hearts, a savaging of Cristiano Ronaldo and a ticking off for a doctor, no less. Is nobody safe?
Let’s just get on with it as Tom Kerray told us: "It’s interesting to note not one mention of penalties or poor VAR decisions from Celtic fans after their win at Hibs. Can't be because everything went their way could it. Always cheated never defeated." Still on Var and Tim Gibbens emailed: "The late, great Pele once fittingly referred to our beloved sport as “the beautiful game”. What a shame, then, that the recent introduction of VAR to Scottish football has led to it degenerating into “the farcical game”. On that note, Happy New Year, everybody!"
George Fairgrieve said: "It used to be the normal cry during a match “penalty to Rangers”, not any more, it’s now “penalty to Hearts”. It’s gotten that bad I heard that representatives from Ross McWhirter’s old company, Guinness Book Of Records, have contacted Tynecastle looking for input into their 2023 publication."
Gary White, Dumbarton, emailed: "I was reading the Hotline yesterday and was annoyed by the comments of "Dr" Robert S Pender!... Whether you like it or not, football these days comes with an atmosphere! The "toys" are part of football now an I for one rather enjoy it!! That may be a bitter pill for you to swallow! That is the sort of comment I would be expecting from someone who puts Dr as their title on the Hotline!"
David Bryce, Troon, said: "In my opinion Kyogo will not truly arrive as a Celtic player until he scores in an Old Firm game. I don’t believe he has scored in what I’d class as a big game yet. He must remedy this on Monday at Ibrox. Aaron Mooy must start the match in place of Matt O’Riley, who hasn’t kicked a ball for months! Mooy is playing well and deserves his place."
Kevin Lord, Drylaw, said: "The Hibs manager states he aims to stamp his authority on the team from January? Should that not have happened from day one? Given Lee Johnson had about 20 signings? More money out the coffers to wannabees instead of tried and trusted successes."
And finally, in the last Hotline of the year, we hear from old faithful, Alan Lough, Dunbar, who said: "After telling Piers Morgan he wanted to continue playing football at the highest level for many years to come, Ronaldo signs for Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia - and in the process brings an end to his career in the most hilarious way possible. His first match will be against Disneyland FC, with Wurzel Gummidge in goals and Daffy Duck in midfield. I will get back to you when I've stopped laughing. It might be a while though."
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