Rangers coach Craig McPherson’s headbutt on Celtic boss Fran Alonso at the end of Monday night’s Old Firm women’s clash was the hot topic of conversation.
But fan behaviour and Steven Gerrard’s conduct all came under the microscope in another Hotline that proves you can’t please any of the people any of the time in the madhouse that is Scottish football. Arrin Geddes, Irvine, said: “As Sky show the Scottish women’s game nationwide on its main channel we end up with a completely disgusting reaction from a member of Rangers coaching staff. It’s a shame the game won’t be remembered. Only in Scotland!”
James Kennedy, Kilsyth, said: “Absolute thuggery by the Rangers coach. He should be hunted from Ibrox and sine died from football everywhere. This sort of behaviour would not be tolerated from the fans. The man is a total disgrace and Rangers should take immediate action. But will they?”
Kevin Lord, Drylaw, emailed: “What a hard man, headbutts a guy in the back of the head and steps back knowing the girls will step in for him. If Rangers and the SFA have anything about them he’ll be finished.”
Over to the Liverpool-Celtic legends game at the weekend and David Bryce, Troon, said: “I have to say that I’m disappointed with the way Steven Gerrard conducted himself at the legends game. No doubt Gerrard was a top player, however he reacted like a classless Ned. I wouldn’t think any EPL chairman would go near Gerrard with a barge pole now , given his childish reaction in a charity match!”
John Robertson, South Queensferry, had a different view, saying: “Once again Celtic show what a pathetic fan base they have , cannot behave at a charity match and do not say it is a minority , we all know that’s not the case! They brag about all the money they turnover, obviously fines are no good, how about deducting points and see how they react to that. The management may react to this because this would hurt them.”
Oh, and the ‘who gets the most decisions’ debate hurtles on. Henry Moffat, Stirling, emailed: “Chris Lowe is wasting his time trying to deflect from the truth. Fans of nine different Scottish clubs have phoned the Hotline to call out pro-Rangers bias from officials. He should worry more about the massive financial gap that now exists and will reach unbridgeable levels next season. This historical battle is now over, Celtic have won!”
Scott Gowers, Edinburgh, countered: “Celtic fans go on about Rangers getting VAR decisions yet the number that their club gets in their favour when there is no reason to allow a goal is unjust. I would like everyone to cast their minds back and even look at the footage of Haksabanovc’s goal against Hearts (Celtic’s third).
"Yes the goal was a stunner but for VAR, the officials and the media not to notice there was a clear and obvious error by the officials which was worsened by a VAR official who has all the evidence in front of him borders on corruption. as to why the goal could remotely stand. I know errors can be made in real time but for a VAR official to neglect the rules is pure and simply wrong.
"When a goalkeeper’s view is impaired by an offside player then no goal can be awarded. The league match in question clearly had an offside player standing directly in front of the Hearts keeper and for the VAR officials not to pick this up is extremely questionable.
“This glaring VAR error is not the first in Celtic’s favour,, there is no understanding why Sportscene don’t highlight when VAR gives Celtic an unlawful decision yet highlight when they think other teams benefit in their eyes.”
It’s international week but nothing in that garden is rosy either, it seems. Alan Flett emailed: “I had a good chuckle at the caller who suggested that there should be a statue of John McGinn outside Hampden. Get real!
"McGinn is just a run of the mill midfield player, he’s never won anything and he’s never played for a big club. The fact that he’s regarded as one of Scotland’s best, says it all about where they are right now. Some people really do speak utter drivel!”
Stuart McLeod, Stepps, said: “I wouldn’t be surprised if Ryan Jack turns his back on international football after being targeted by the Tartan Army boo boys once again. These fans claim to be the best yet find it acceptable to boo a Scottish player. Ryan Jack plays an important role to allow guys like Callum McGregor to influence the game in advanced areas. A playing surface and a fan base that are an embarrassment to the nation.”
And finally, David Wilkie, Millport, emailed: “The regular animated comments suggesting accumulating wealth through player sales in the Scottish game guarantees domination is perhaps open to debate. Chelsea, for example, are treading water in the Premier League and currently trailing the likes of Brighton, Brentford and Fulham, despite spending hundreds of millions on recruitment.
“When you come down to it, football is not exactly something to be linked with the stock exchange in peoples thoughts..more so, it should be considered a pastime on a weekend for families to enjoy. Nothing more.” Yes, David. A nice gentle pastime, indeed.
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