There were fireworks on the Hotline as raging Celtic fans called on the club to crack down on the Green Brigade after their latest UEFA charge.
A club statement pleaded with punters to stop landing them in trouble after flares and smoke bombs were set off during last week’s Europa League clash with Cluj.
But words don’t speak nearly as loud as actions and it seems the rank and file fans’ patience has snapped with the Green Brigade, who have repeatedly been the cause of fines imposed by UEFA.
Robert Leckenby, Stonehouse, said: “Why are the Celtic board releasing a statement telling fans to stop using pyros when they know who is responsible for it? Just ban them from the stadium.
“I give credit to the Rangers board for admitting they have a problem with the Union Bears and dealing with it by closing their section, whereas the Celtic board are burying their heads in the sand when it comes to the Green Brigade.”
Jon Caw emailed: “If there are decent fans among the so-called Green Brigade why don’t they point out the miscreants who are throwing these flares or any other things? If they have any love for Celtic do the right thing, stop costing our club.”
Ian Mooney, Fernhill, said: “I’m concerned about the pyrotechnics at Parkhead. They need to start searching everybody going into the Green Brigade’s area before games.
“Frisk them and if they find any flares on them, ban them for life. There’s no other way to stop it.”
Last word on this subject from Dougie Hamilton, Coatbridge, who said: “Some advice for the idiots with pyros and flares from Joe Walsh, guitarist of The Eagles.
“At one of their gigs he told the crowd: ‘if you’ve got fire crackers with you take them home, lock yourself in the closet and light up everything you’ve got.’”
If you think that’s explosive, wait until you see the reaction from this super-confident call from Brian Reardon, Cambusnethan .
Brian said: “It’s exciting times at Ibrox. Rangers are going to run Celtic off the park and win the treble.
“Sure they won the first Old Firm game at Ibrox but that was just a blip. We’re two points in front and quite a few goals better off. The title is ours.
“I’d like to say to Celtic supporters I hope you’re crying down the Clyde.”
Knock yourselves out, Hotline ...
Meanwhile, regular wind-up merchant Dunky Robertson, London, appears to have landed on his target with the usual precision as punters queued up to have a pop.
Bob Shearer emailed: “ Hotline Old Firm historian Dunky Robertson pointed out that Celtic pipped Rangers to the league after being 15 points behind in 2011/12.
“His selective memory ignores the fact that this was the season Rangers went into administration in February.”
Neil Kinnell, Keltybridge, emailed: “Is Dunky Robertson for real? I know London is in a different country but surely he must have read that in 2011/2012 Rangers were deducted 10 points by the SFA.
“So his comment about Rangers at one point being 15 points ahead of Celtic that season, although it may sound a terrific turnaround for Celtic, was really the first of the eight tainted titles.
“And this is unlikely to happen again, so get prepared Dunky - it’s coming home!”
Speak soon, Dunky.
Derek McInnes has been feeling the pressure at Pittodrie but Aberdeen fan Alan McPherson, Cullen, has a message for those who are questioning his position.
Alan said: “In reply to Andrew Lamb, who said McInnes should have walked, I’d say be careful what you wish for.
“I have been a Dons fan for 65 years and still go to all the games both home and away.
"I have lived through the glory days under Fergie but also the fire days when we flirted with relegation, only escaping by the fact that Falkirk’s ground was unsuitable for the top league.
“It was fan power that got rid of Alex Smith, who I think was a great manager and didn’t deserve the sack, so does he REALLY think that we should make the same mistake again and bin Derek?”
Finally, another managerial debate between Celtic fans arguing who is better - Neil Lennon or Brendan Rodgers ?
Jimmy Murray, Edinburgh, said: “It’s a no contest between Lennon and Rodgers.
“Rodgers won nine trophies out of nine. His man-management and tactical skills are second to none.
“Tactics wise Lennon is clueless, as proved against Livingston and his man-management skills are non-existent. Just ask the Hibs players he managed.”
