Unity on the Hotline. Well, almost.
The progress of both Celtic and Rangers into the group stages of the Europa League has brought widespread commendation.
Neil Lennon reckons the Old Firm has raised the bar for Scottish clubs in Europe with their achievements which have won Scotland back two spots in Champions League qualifying next term.
Praise flowed into the Hotline with Kenny Wilson, Moffat, saying: “A good night for Scottish football. With both teams getting through and with our coefficient rising, this can only be good for our game.”
Frank McFerran, Carrickfergus, said: “As a Rangers fan I was delighted with the score against Galatasaray and in the same instance I was glad that Celtic won their game. It all adds up to a better coefficient for Scottish teams, which is the main aim, surely?”
Alan McGaw, Alloa, added: “What a fantastic result for Rangers in Europe.
Once again another impressive display. This is great for the coefficient standing for Scotland now that we are through to the group stages.
“The club captain James Tavernier was outstanding with bags of energy and proved that he was a winner with seven goals in seven games, especially for a full-back.”
Of course, the goodwill couldn’t last. This is the Hotline, after all.
Robert McEwan, Mount Vernon, said: “What is it with these people thinking Celtic are miles behind Rangers performance-wise?
"If we win our postponed game we go two clear and we are in the group stage as well.
“I’m more than happy with Neil Lennon’s assessment of the team and the game at Paradise will gauge how good the teams are. Leagues are not won in October, probably around March for us.”
But David Bryce, Troon, countered: “Well done to Celtic and Rangers for qualifying for the group stages.
"However, Celtic are absolutely brutal to watch. The lack of creativity in the side is shocking. Lennon’s tactics are awful and it has been turgid for a while now.
“If he thinks the current squad is good enough he’s hugely mistaken.
“Rangers, on the other hand, are vibrant, play great football and have goals all over the pitch. I’m dreading the first Old Firm game. Rangers will hammer us.”
Ian Loudon, Dunfermline, wasn’t impressed with Alfredo Morelos in the Rangers win and said: “After watching that greedy inept performance from our No. 20, the sooner someone comes in and takes him away the better.“
Gordon Ashley, Ayr, had his usual potshot and said: “I see Rangers fans are getting carried away with beating a team that finished sixth in the Turkish league, saying they will do this and that.
“Every time they think they're going to win a trophy, the double Nine In A Row champions will be there to spoil it.”
