Rangers fans haven’t taken too kindly to their rivals slagging their Champions League exit at the hands of Malmo and as they prepare to launch a Europa League campaign against Alashkert, they weren’t slow to hit back.
Chris Lowe, Yoker, said: “The Celtic fans who have a go at Rangers’ European performance have a hard neck given their team has been universally humped by dishwashers and waiters from all corners of the globe in recent years.
“Here’s another European stat for them to ponder: Alfredo Morelos scored more group stage goals in one European campaign than Edouard has in 4 years combined with not a penalty kick in sight but he was somehow once worth £40 million for scoring goals in Scottish football and against the Andorra under 21’s.”
Alfie Mullin, London, added: “It’s a bit rich, these Celtic fans having a go on the Hotline about Rangers’ results in Europe. Everybody knows that Celtic have an unwanted European record. They are the team most often knocked out of European competition. For years they’ve been getting knocked out twice a season and a couple seasons three times. Just ask Sion and Legia Warsaw.”
And Joe Smith, Coleraine reckons his team will hit the jackpot with transfer fees for some of their stars. He emailed: “Morelos, Kent, Hagi and Kamara will all command figures north of £15 million not the laughable figures the press continually come out with.
"Rangers didn’t factor in Champions League money in our budget - it would have been a bonus. However our business model going forward is player trading so I would expect one of our stars to go this transfer window.”
But Drew Ferguson, Oban, said: “As a Rangers fan I want to know why have Goldson and Kamara have not signed new contracts. If it’s the case they want to leave they must be sold pronto and the monies used for hungry players who want to play for the club.”
And Andrew Lamb in Fraserburgh emailed: “Charlie Nicholas is spot on, Rangers are ordinary and are not feared at the highest level. I suspect Ange Postecoglou’s Celtic will prove a far sterner test for the SPFL crown this season. Add to that, no one of high esteem seems to want to pay top dollar for any of Rangers players.”
Paddy Gowans emailed: ”Let’s face it, the Old Firm are average teams in an average league. They would never qualify out of the group stages if they ever got to the Champions League. There are light years away financially and on tactics.”
Celtic fan Seamie Gallagher, Govan, said: “I’m delighted by Celtic’s solid start and Ange's style of play.
"Rangers remain the benchmark, as the 25 point margin shows. However, with Kyogo Furahashi, Celtic could turn the tables against all the odds.”
Finally, Kenny Goff emailed: “How come Celtic and Rangers can sign players from it seems anywhere , while other clubs can’t due to work permits. Don’t they also need work permits?”
