Rangers’ ongoing row with the SPFL over cinch’s sponsorship - leading to fears that the company will withhold some of its payments - hasn’t gone down well.
But, as usual, Hotliners have come up with what they believe is the ideal solution. If Rangers aren’t playing ball, don’t give them a penny was the theme of the day.
Richard Wharton, Carlisle, said: “What is it with Rangers? First they have a problem with BBC Scotland now with the League sponsors. Simple solution as I have said before, when prize money is given out, don’t give them any!”
Kenneth Houston emailed: “So Rangers did not want their manager to have an interview in front of a sponsors board, with cinch adverts. Now there is the possibility of cinch not paying all the sponsorship money. If Rangers don’t want to be seen advertising cinch, here’s a simple solution - pay out money to the other 41 clubs, and don’t pay anything to Rangers, call it a fine for failing to adhere to sponsorship requirements.”
Gerry Smith, from Glasgow, said: “Surely Rangers won’t be expecting any of the cinch money? That would be the ultimate brass neck, seeing as they are doing everything in their power NOT to publicise the company.”
Moving on, and there was the usual to-ing and fro-ing over the refereeing appointment for Sunday’s Old Firm clash.
Chris Lowe, from Yoker, said: "After Rangers being denied three stonewall penalties in the last two games, I hope John Beaton is strong.
“Rangers haven’t had a penalty kick at Celtic Park since 2010 and with Frank Conner on the line yet again, all eyes will be on him to ensure he doesn’t have any Alan Mulvanney moments and forgets to put his flag up.”
John Bruce added: “ Celtic fans were really buoyed by their team’s two victories over Rangers earlier in the season - 2 out of 10 ain’t bad - where the referees, unsurprisingly, had good games. Unlike the referee in the last one, which they lost.
“John Beaton has been blamed, sorry named, as the referee for this Sunday’s Old Firm game. Not that he will be under any pressure. He will be Scotland’s best referee if Celtic win and there will predictably be cries of ‘conspiracy’ if Celtic lose.”
In case you hadn’t noticed, Rangers are playing a European semi final in Leipzig but it’s not all sweetness and light and wishing them all the best.
Jonny Robinson, from Edinburgh, emailed: “I’m sick of listening to Rangers supporters who have won one trophy in their pitiful existence, but believe they are special. We are about to win the league in front of our own support. Guys like John Bruce will not be back on here when they are volleyed out of Europe.”
Gary Stevenson, Newtonhill, emailed: “Well done to Gordon Ashley for his heartfelt message to Rangers acknowledging our European run. Good to see that the Old Firm fans recognise a great achievement. I would like to add my well done message to him for successfully managing to watch all episodes of Dragons Den this year.”
Elsewhere, Alan McPherson, from Cullen, isn’t happy about Livi keeper Max Stryjek being banned retrospectively. He said: “This is getting really frustrating. Stryjek gets a two match ban for the next two games for assaulting Besuijen - this should have resulted in his sending off and a penalty to Aberdeen thus having a huge influence on the outcome of the game on Saturday.
“Aberdeen were the wronged party in this incident but they are being punished again as Stryjek ‘s suspension benefits Hibs and St Johnstone’s quest for valuable points in the next two games. I maintain that his suspension should be served in the next two games between the two teams or at the least held over till next season.”
And Stephen Johnstone, from Ardentinny, reckons Keano is a No-No for Hibs, saying: “Has Roy Keane really put his hat in the ring for the Hibs job or is just at the wind up? Roy was a failure at Ipswich in 2011 and has never managed again. For me, it’s Malky Mackay all day long.”
