The embers are still burning on a red hot Celtic AGM where nobody seemed safe from the fire.
The Parkhead board, last season’s players, Nicola Sturgeon, referees, Bernard Higgins .. the only figure immune from criticism was manager Ange Postecoglou.
But it was Ian Bankier’s claims that the Scottish Government’s covid sanctions began the spiral which saw the Hoops blow 10 in a row which put the chairman right in the firing line for Hotline callers.
Andy Adams, Kirkcaldy, said: “Unbelievable! So now it's Nicola Sturgeon’s fault they never got 10? I have never read so much absolute garbage in my life. In days gone by when your rivals won anything you took it on the chin, you didn't like it, but you took the hit and moved on. The better team won, that's a fact, now it's certain referees and the government’s fault!”
John Wilson, Maryhill, said: “I had a good laugh at the main points of the Celtic AGM, in particular their embarrassment in Europe for the last few seasons and also how they were the only employers in Scotland hit with sanctions during the pandemic. It made me laugh, especially when Boli Bolingoli went AWOL to Spain and they claim to know nothing about it. Then the jolly boys outing to Dubai, which they had no need to take Christopher Jullien to - and he catches covid. Then they moan?!”
And Chris Lowe, Yoker, slammed: “Can Celtic as a club get any more embarrassing with their AGM that appears yet again to be 50 per cent about a club they claim doesn’t exist. From the old favourites to referees are biased despite winning everything for years to the hysterical tinfoil hat claim the Scottish Government are against them to Brian Wilson apologising for words in his Walter Smith obituary. These words are coming from their hierarchy. A club like no other, thankfully.”
Neil Renton, Edinburgh, added: “I had to laugh at chairman Ian Bankier blaming Nicola Sturgeon for Celtic not winning 10 league titles in a row. Was it Scotland’s First Minister who refused to look for a long term solution to Neil Lennon?”
Muir Fulton, Ayr, said: “It’s been written many times in the Hotline about the obsession Celtic fans have with Rangers but we now know where it comes from - Celtic had an AGM on Wednesday and all they spoke about was Rangers.”
David Bryce, Troon, said: “It is clear after today’s AGM that Ian Bankier’s time at the club is up! I have never known a chairman so loathed by the support. He is out of his depth and extremely incompetent. If he has a shred of decency and personal pride, he should resign with immediate effect.”
Moving on and the timing of Steven Gerrard’s Rangers exit continues to cause a stooshie.
Jimmy Mac, Glasgow, said: “It matters not who will be the next Rangers manager. What does matter is the full squad step up to the plate and give 100 per cent in every single game until the season ends and retain the league title, they owe it to the club, themselves and fans who give unrelenting loyalty week in and week out unlike ‘Judas’ Gerrard who jumped ship at the first opportunity. As Richard Keys said Gerrard owed the club for giving him the opportunity and he sneaked off like a thief in the night.”
But Mark Singleton, Coatbridge, argued: “As a Rangers fan I'm upset Gerrard left. But the ‘one trophy in nine’ patter is embarrassing. He took a club on its knees, hammered by Celtic, knocked out of Europe by Progres and delivered four great Euro campaigns, returning Rangers’ reputation. How many fans would have preferred six cups in three years but not the one league that stopped 10? Give me three European runs over three League Cups any day - but the one title was better than all the cups in the world.”
Finally, Giovanni Van Bronckhorst looks set to be unveiled as Gerrard’s successor.
And Frank McFerran, Carrickfergus, said: “I think Van the Man will keep the good times rolling at Rangers. He’ll need money to spend and he has a good competitor in the Celtic manager. It should be interesting.”
