Controversial decisions and the Hotline go together like pie and beans.
Once again, messages lined up about calls from officials following another crucial weekend in the Scottish Premiership.
Livingston manager David Martindale reckons Celtic were deserved winners at The Tony Macaroni, but the Lions boss was unhappy at calls which led to the first two goals scored by Ange Postecoglou ’s team in their 3-1 win.
Needless to say the Hotline went into meltdown with tit-for-tat verbal tennis.
Kenny Wilson, Moffat, said: “Huge result for Celtic at a place that doesn’t hold good memories and a far better performance.
“But once again referees are in the spotlight and the standard in Scottish football is atrocious.
“The decisions they are getting wrong are mostly easy ones and questions have to be asked: why the standard is so bad? On the plus side, it keeps Rangers in the title race.”
Dean Ridgers, Barassie said: “After scrutinising ‘the only four decisions’ Nick Walsh had to make, it looks as if the result would have been the same.
“The lack of VAR hasn’t got Celtic where they are. Ange and the players have.”
Robert Allen, Rutherglen , sees it differently and said: “Another set of fixtures. Another day when Celtic get dubious decisions in their favour.
“Three big decisions at Livingston that Nick Walsh failed to get right. I make it at least a six-point swing in Rangers favour if referees stopped giving favours to Celtic. It’s now a scandal that needs investigation.”
Back to Robert Frew, Glasgow, who isn’t so sure and countered: “Chris Lowe of Yoker thinks Celtic don’t want VAR. Since when?
"It will be worth 20 points a season to Celtic as half of Rangers’ penalties will be ruled out.”
Sean Beech, Hampshire, said: “Here we go again with the blue brigade scrutinising every single decision of a game they weren’t even playing in. Free kicks, throw-ins, corners, ball on the line, ball cleared off the line have all been called wrong since the game was invented.
“The only difference is other fans accept this and are not questioning decisions made two/three minutes before goals are scored in the hope of proving themselves right.
"Whichever team wins the league will deserve to based on their own ability to win games. Blaming other people is just clutching at straws in the hope of deflecting the attention away from your own inadequacies.”
Eddie Easson, Ballingry, said: “It is open season on refs. They have a hard enough job. Let them get on with it. “Martindale's team were no match for Celtic on Sunday, so get a grip and lay off the referees.”
Seamie Gallagher wasn’t interested in decisions and said: “Who would have thought it? The written-off-before-a-ball-was-kicked Celtic lead the league with only eight cup finals to play.
“This is a turnaround of 28 points at present from last season. Regardless of outcome, Ange Postecoglou is primed to take Celtic back to the top of Scottish football.”
Final word goes to Tam Williamson, Lanarkshire, who had a message for any fans of Celtic or Rangers who are moaning about the November meeting of their teams in Sydney.
He said: “It’s shocking that the idiots in the Rangers and Celtic support are up in arms against the two clubs playing in a friendly in Australia. The world is on the verge of nuclear war, yet these clowns who shame both clubs are spouting their bile over a football match? Grow up."
