Null and void? Title stripping? The terminology is creeping ominously towards that of last spring and the summer of discontent.
Record Sport ’s exclusive story with SPFL chief Neil Doncaster saying he can’t rule out a null and void ending to the season if Covid curtails the top flight has sparked fury with Rangers 21 points ahead of Celtic and almost out of sight.
Hotline callers weren’t slow to react. Prepare for cats among pigeons and just the odd whiff of banter.
Alan McGaw emailed: “What a total farce from Doncaster stating that the season could be null and void. He was quick enough to give Celtic the title last season. Resign now as you’re an embarrassment to Scottish football. After the Dubai debacle where was your criticism? I’ve just realised .. you were hiding behind closed doors.”
But Ian Tomlinson, Mossblown, said: “This season has been a joke from the start with no fans in the stadiums - it shouldn’t have started. Rangers have also had an unfair advantage with big games against Celtic, Aberdeen and Dundee United being influenced with large Covid withdrawals in their favour. It looks unlikely the season will run much longer so null and void is the only answer.”
Rangers fan John Carlile countered: “If Doncaster is either stupid or brave enough to null and void this season if the pandemic gets any worse then Celtic need to be stripped of last season’s title they were awarded. The SFA and SPFL couldn’t hand Celtic the title quick enough last season. What’s good for them is good for us. Doncaster knows the pot he’s stirring is a tricky road to go down.”
Gordon Ashley, Ayr, responded: “Good to see Neil Doncaster underline the truth that Celtic have done nothing wrong. The rules are clear on ending a season, if 75 per cent of games are played the leader is the winner, if not it’s null and void, and after the way Rangers and their fans embarrassed themselves last year it would be the greatest case of karma of all time.”
Not quite sure that interpretation of the rules is entirely accurate Gordon.
Speaking of rules and Celtic’s controversial winter break to Dubai is never far from the Hotline airwaves.
Christopher Currie said: “Celtic FC have broken NO rules going to Dubai. That fact is verified in Record Sport today by Neil Doncaster.”
But John Bruce emailed: “When Celtic made the immoral decision to furlough their U18s after splashing out on taking staff, players and walking wounded on a boozy junket to Dubai, they did little to dispel the notion that they are arrogant and believe that they are immune to any form of criticism. If they could score as many goals on the park as they do own goals in the media, they would be clear league leaders by a country mile.”
Peter Lawwell did issue an apology to Hoops fans for the decision to head to the UAE.
But Paul McCormack, Coatbridge, said: “Not the greatest apology and almost had to be prised out of Peter Lawwell. Dubai, missing out on John McGinn, millions wasted on signings .. all on his watch. He’s been CEO in one of the greatest periods ever for Celtic fans, so let’s not forget that. But maybe, like one or two players, he’s gone on for a season too long, to share the in the glory of being at the helm for 10, how badly wrong has that gone.”
And Joe Smith, Coleraine, added: “I’m baffled as to why Lawwell only apologises to Celtic fans. He should have apologised to the whole of Scottish football as Celtic’s trip could prove to be a catastrophe for lower league clubs and a disaster for grassroots football. His arrogance knows no bounds.”
