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The two words from Rangers fans that prove they know Celtic are champions in waiting - Hotline

The Old Firm are on course for a May Day collision but it could be Rangers calling in an SOS if the final derby of the season coincides with a title clincher for Celtic.

The SPFL fixture computer has thrown up a Parkhead trip for Gio van Bronckhorst’s team two games after the split.

But George Wilson, West Sussex, is concerned the clash could spell trouble, saying: “More incompetence and a totally nonsensical decision again from the Scottish football authorities.

“The only sensible decision would have been to play the post split Celtic v Rangers game first. Instead now if Rangers drop points at Motherwell and Celtic win their game at Ross County, the league can be won when Celtic play at home to Rangers.

“I'm a Rangers supporter but it's a fact that large sections of both sets of supporters will use the occasion to show their hatred for one another and bad behaviour and violence is guaranteed.

“How simple it would have been to avoid it by playing that game first?”

John Currie, Reigate, added: “Why is this not one of the first set of post-split matches to avoid it being a possible title decider as I can’t see Ross County stopping Celtic?

“Also, if Rangers KO Braga this Thursday, they will be playing a Europa semi-final on April 28, only three days before they play Celtic who will have a free week.

“If Celtic-Rangers was on April 24, it would be much fairer. Yes, Rangers would still have to play someone else on May 1 after a possible Europa semi but it wouldn’t be a title decider.”

Hearts fan Rab Hunter, Dumfries, was also unhappy with the split schedule: “Well I suppose Hearts having to go to Tannadice for a third time this season makes a change from previous seasons when they have had to go to Ibrox or Pittodrie three times. Wonder if any team will ever have to go to Tynecastle three times in a season before I die or will the SFA’s victimisation just go on and on ad infinitum?”

To be fair Rab, it's the SPFL who generate the fixtures, not the SFA.

First-time caller Andy Logan from Livingston rang to pay tribute to Celtic’s champions-elect: “Fair play to Ange Postecoglou for turning things around so quickly.

“Celtic were without two key players for three months and got on with it, while it seems Rangers fans were reaching for their excuses about who is missing, refereeing decisions and the January break being brought forward.”

Charles Ponzi emailed in: “Rangers fans know they have lost the league, as two words have crept into their vocabulary: mathematically possible.”

Rangers manager Giovanni van Bronckhorst (PA)

Gordon Ashley, Ayr, said: “About eight months ago we were listening to Rangers fans and pundits talking about a certain Treble and Celtic finishing fourth while Rangers secured £80m in Champions League money over this season and next. How devastated they must feel to see a possible £120m swing in the other direction and another Treble for Celtic coming.”

Bluenose Ross Abraham, Dumbarton, was in sporting mood as he said: “As a Rangers fan it pains me to say it but we’ve blown it and the big man from Oz has to take all the credit.”

But Gary Stevenson, Newtonhill, wasn’t having that as he had a pop at their rivals ahead of Thursday night’s Europa League clash with Braga, saying: “The way I see it Celtic supporters have two options this week - purchase a Bodo/Glimt scarf or continue with their long-running allegiance to Dragons Den.”

Meanwhile Hibs fan John Scott, Grassmoor, was dismayed by his side’s Edinburgh derby display.

He said: “There's not a Hibs supporter who would disagree with Tam McManus view that we can't chop and change managers every 20 games.

“However, there are alarming similarities to 2013. At the end of that season Hibs and Aberdeen finished in the bottom six while Dundee United, Motherwell and Ross County sat in the top six.

“With Pat Fenlon under pressure after a cup defeat to Hearts he resigned in November. In came Terry Butcher, an appointment that saw relegated.

Shaun Maloney shouldn't be under pressure, our owner and CEO should be. Sacking a manager a week before a cup final and replacing him with a rookie does not instil confidence. They may be still learning about Hibs’ history so they need to look back at 2013/14 and take heed.”

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