There was Soapy bubble on the Hotline as Hearts and Rangers fans collide over John Souttar’s pre-contract deal at Ibrox.
Jambos punters reckon it’s far from a clean break with the defender set to stay in Gorgie for the remainder of the season, while Gers supporters are hoping the player can mess up Celtic’s title bid at Tynecastle.
Unhappy Jambo Davy Cook, Restalrig , said: “Good luck Soapy, but disappointed you didn’t set your ambitions higher. You could have shown some loyalty to Hearts and still played in Europe next year, the grass is not always greener on the other side.”
Wullie Graham, Bristol, said: “I am bitterly disappointed. Hearts looked after and supported him for well over a year out of the game with serious Achilles, and other injuries.
“After getting fit and playing again, he jumps ship without a backward glance.
“I have no problem with him moving to better himself but he should have signed a new deal with Hearts on the understanding when a decent bid came in he would be allowed to leave. That way both John and Hearts would have come out of this without any bad feelings.”
John Bruce emailed: “Why would Rangers pay Hearts £500,000 when they can get him for nothing in five months? Rangers are known to be in the market for another experienced centre-back, so while they would like Souttar, they're not desperate for him just now.
Anyway, Hearts can keep him until they play Celtic. He'll probably play a blinder - maybe even score - they'll take points off them, then he'll come to Rangers an instant hero after paying a nominal fee.”
Bill Park, Bathgate, said: “Celtic fan John McAllister says that Rangers sold their best player for £11 million.
“Wrong John, the best players Ryan Kent, Joe Aribo, and Glen Kamara are still at Ibrox.
“Nathan Patterson was a good bit of business for Rangers, hopefully his replacement John Souttar will be coming soon.”
But Gordon Ashley, Ayr, said: “What a boost for Celtic to see Rangers go for John ‘oil tanker’ Souttar to replace Connor Goldson.
“I have watched him in several games and his poor marking in the box and tendency to give away possession make him a major downgrade. The pace of Maeda and Kyogo will expose him, especially when he’s not playing in a low block like he did against Denmark.”
The prospect of another Old Firm postponement has fans frothing.
Sean Beech, Hampshire, said: “Rangers fans make us laugh. Their latest gag screaming cheat at Celtic for suggesting they might apply the rules of their association and have games delayed because key players are away.
“Or would the Rangers fans prefer to cheat their way to the title by playing a weakened team?”
Charles Buchanan emailed: “Had a laugh at caller Gary Shields saying Rangers should be awarded the three points if Celtic asks for postponement.
“Does he not remember Ally doing the same thing against Dunfermline and Forfar, and in the cup tie against the mighty East Fife?”
Ciaran Mallon, Belfast, said: “I have to laugh at all these Celtic obsessed Rangers supporters ranting about the mere suggestion that Celtic might request a postponement as they are entitled to do under league rules.
“They definitely seem more worried about us than we are about them. Squeaky bums at Ibrox anyone?”
While Joe Smith, Coleraine , said: “Clubs can submit a request to have the matches changed to another date and it would be three matches, not just the game against Rangers.
“It is down to the SPFL board’s discretion as it doesn't automatically happen. At this rate Rangers will be going to Parkhead already crowned as champions.”
There will be grumbles even if the game goes on, with the ticket wars rumbling on.
Gillian Carruth, Beith, said: “I’m delighted Rangers are not giving Celtic more tickets. Why should we give them a full stand while we are stuck in a corner out the way. This should have happened a long time ago.”
There’s no soft soaping on the Hotline.
