The Rangers fans might not want to talk about it, but Sir Rod Stewart did.
This old heart of his might have been broken last season but Rod was at Celtic Park on Wednesday and was still on a high when he contacted the Hotline to say: “What a night! They laughed when we brought in an Australian manager and four Japanese players. They are not laughing any more.”
His comment mirrored the delight of the Celtic support, but many insisted they weren’t getting carried away despite the sensational display that blew Rangers away and sent them to the top of the table.
Stefan Lomako, Whithorn, emailed: “It was a really good win for the Bhoys and blows open the title race but we must remain focussed as Rangers are still a very strong team and things can change in days. There’s a fair way to go but there’s also a terrific feeling around and confidence that there’s loads to look forward to.”
Eddie Easson, Ballingry, Fife said: “Big Ange gone by Christmas was quoted. Rangers won’t be beaten again this season, they wrote. Postecoglou and the board have gone about their business quietly, with the signings already proving their worth.
“Last night proved the distance Celtic have made up in a few months. You don’t win leagues in February but it sure feels good to be where we are.”
Stephen Mulhern, Dumbarton, emailed: “After witnessing an unbelievable performance that result doesn’t mean the league is won. But it puts Celtic in a position that they’ve not been in a long time. However it could be even this early that Ange Postecoglou has taken Celtic from second best to simply the best. A mention also to Joe Hart who is such a calming influence on the defence.”
Jack Armstrong, Bathgate, said: “Celtic had no Rogic, no Turnbull, no Kyogo. Rangers had no chance and no excuses. Happy days.”
John Burke, Condorrat , said: “Rangers should sign Van Hire instead of Van Bronckhorst and they could take his furniture back to Holland. Rangers play Hertz on Saturday - another removal company!”
Kenny Wilson, Moffat, said: “What an outstanding 1st half from Celtic, completely blowing away this vastly overrated Rangers team. Superior in every area of the pitch with every player superb but a special mention must go to Matt O’Riley who has been outstanding since being thrown straight in to his Celtic career. But the season has a long way to go yet.”
Tim Gibbens emailed: “Callum McGregor was the masked pinger, spraying passes around from midfield all night in a starring role even the Phantom of the Opera would have been proud of.”
Iain Miller, Glasgow, said: “Celtic were breathtaking at times last night and maybe Gio and his players aren’t going to stroll the league like we’ve been hearing since August. Aaron Ramsey must be looking forward to playing in that team and where was the £37m man Diallo?”
Tommy Turner emailed: “What happened to the No Away spectators rule last night? How some of them managed to breach security and get onto the pitch and pose as players for the first half is beyond me!”
Charles Buchanan emailed: “That was a brilliant first half display from Celtic. It could have been 6-0 at the interval.
Rangers just couldn’t handle Hatate, Abada and Jota but we were brilliant all over the park. Well done, Bhoys.”
Gerry Milligan, Erskine said: “We have to thank Middlesbrough for sneaking in and stealing Riley McGree. I hope someone sends him a copy of the game and he will see what a mistake he made declining Celtic. We got Matt O’Riley instead and it looks like McGree did us a favour as Postocoglu wouldn’t have signed both of them. The Celtic squad now has strength and flexibility.”
Andrew Lamb, Fraserburgh, emailed: “Excellent Old firm game the other night, although Borna Barisic simply can’t defend and Calvin Bassey isn’t a centre half. Bassey needs to be at left back with Barisic put on the bench for a spell - he was asleep at the wheel against Celtic.”
The Rangers fans who DID want to talk about it, pulled no punches in their withering assessment of their team’s performance.
Drew Ferguson, Oban, said: “As a Rangers fan, Celtic deserved to win and could have won by more. The team sent out by Rangers was good enough to beat that Celtic team but they just did not want it enough and defended like it, as seen by Barasic. Gio will now know who he can rely on. Diallo clearly was not interested in tracking his player and let’s hope Ryan Jack can stay healthy till the end of the season.”
Colin Hall, Carrickfergus, emailed: “Although a ‘bluenose’ through and through, I have to admit Celtic played us off the park on Wednesday night. Their passing was precise, their movement off the ball was excellent, their man marking was spot on and they were quick, all of which we had no answer to. We were very lucky we weren’t four or five down at half time. They have the momentum now and will be hard to stop.”
And Frank McFerran, also from Carrickfergus, added: “Stuffed - no other word for it. Celtic were ruthless, Rangers were useless. The Rangers defence is shocking, Gio had his work cut out.”
Lewis Fotheringham, Mount Ellen , added: “Shocking performance from my team. We were like rabbits caught in the headlights. Also what is it with us and winter breaks?”
But Stacey Allen sounded a defiant note, emailed: “This time last year I’d have given up everything to get 55 titles and stop the 9.75 in a row. Let's not forget, we won the title that was the most important one for some decades past and likely for decades to come. For Celtic to ‘rebuild’ a team in a year doesn’t even compare to the magical journey Rangers have been on these past 10 years. Congratulations to Celtic on their first Old Firm win since 2019. I’m still celebrating 55.”
Finally, the one non-Old Firm contribution came from Ronnie Swan, Lochee , who isn’t happy with Dundee United boss Tam Courts. He emailed: “Did you see the grin on Declan Glass’ face when he moved to Kilmarnock on loan? Good luck to him.
“Speaking of players leaving the clown show that is Dundee United, there must be someone who can spill the beans about what’s really going on behind the scenes - the Dundee derby was the worst I’ve ever seen and Courts is about to ruin Tony Watt in the same way as he did to Lawrence Shankland.”
