The possible introduction of VAR into Scottish football was the talk of a Hotline dominated by complaints over refereeing decisions and general moans at match officials.
But the first call is from a Rangers fan who is demanding a bit of respect for his side ahead of their clash with Borussia Dortmund.
Drew Ferguson, Oban, said: "Not once have I read from the arrogant German media or players of how good this Rangers team actually is. So Rangers clearly need a big performance on Thursday and play at their peak to show Europe this is not a diddy league they clearly think we play in."
Brian McColligan, emailed: "You've got to laugh at the Rangers fans. After Celtic’s late winner at Ross County you had some of them on the Hotline saying the referee was intent on just playing on until Celtic scored. There were eight minutes added on in the Rangers match yet a caller wanted more time added on due to lack of ball boys."
Bud Hay, Dumfries, said: "All these Rangers fans crying about not getting penalty kicks against Dundee United at Tannadice is laughable. I don't know how they did not get one as they nearly get one in every game. You can see the pressure starting to tell and the league will be over when Celtic beat them at Ibrox."
Bill Lockerbie, Northampton, said: "I can't believe the hype over VAR being needed in Scottish football to compensate for referee incompetence. Since I can remember, part of the enjoyment of watching football was debating and arguing after a match, whether or not a penalty was a penalty or an offside was onside and we simply accepted the human element involved in it all. Some we won, some we lost, because let's face it, Scottish football needs excitement and controversy, not clinical analysis and whether or not a boot stud has crossed a line. To sanitise our game is the last thing we need. Forget technology, bring in European referees if need be but let's keep it traditional, the way it always was."
Lewis Fotheringham, Mount Ellen, " Hotline caller Eddie Easson said that the fact Rangers weren't awarded penalties on Sunday evens out the ones we've had previously. So are we just to be denied two stonewallers automatically? Two wrongs don't make a right. Also, Fellow Hotline caller Ciaran Mallon talks about Celtic being denied a stonewall penalty but conveniently forgets Dundee should have had one in the last minute."
John Scott, Grassmoor, said: 'A large majority of Hibs fans will endorse the comments from Record Sport columnist Tam McManus about his' concerns at the treatment of Drey Wright. No one wearing that famous green jersey should be treated with such contempt. However, Tam has got to address the frustration felt by thousands of fans who bought season tickets while being unable to attend games due to Covid. They've come back to stale, insipid football under Jack Ross and that's been replaced by a crab like, back and sideways style introduced by a rookie manager who should be cutting his teeth in the Scottish Championship or League One."
Gary Stevenson, Newtonhill, said: "I would love to hear some ideas on how we can save Scottish football. I realise this is controversial but here are some of the ideas I think can attract major sponsorship to Scottish Football. Introduce VAR, outlaw plastic pitches and have a minimum requirement standard to compete at the top level.
"I would reduce the SPFL to eight teams. If some clubs are not moving with the times they should not be allowed in our top league.
"I am not going to select my eight teams as if you check statistics they cannot be contested. Scottish football needs help now and playing in front of attendances of under 5,000 is not the answer. "
John Mcinally, Drumchapel, said: "'I'm a Partick Thistle fan and I know I keep moaning about things going against us and I’ll be getting called a Rangers fan shortly if it continues but once again my team was robbed by a dodgy referee against Morton
"The rebound from the penalty was scored eventually but the official disallowed it. I’m giving up my season book as I can’t keep watching this happen. VAR is needed at all levels."
And finally a rare call of praise for a colleague who doesn't get his fair share.
Eileen Baker, Cambuslang, said: "What a great piece of journalism by Record Sport 's Michael Gannon, always speaks his mind, and is always straight to the point and funny with it. Maybe all the footballers could take a leaf out of Giorgos Giakoumakis's book of honesty."
