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Rangers training match title was a fluke and Celtic have shown it's not even a debate – Hotline

The post-mortem of Rangers’ title defence collapse is still dominating the debate ahead of their Europa League return.

It's not so long ago that the fans were celebration a historic Premiership victory, but despite a clash with Braga around the corner the Premiership title is the only thing on callers’ minds.

Gordon Ashley, Ayr, said: "The evidence that last season was a training match title fluke is so overwhelming that it’s not even a debate any more.

"Celtic win every trophy for four years, then when they are deprived of the Messi, Ronaldo and FIFA proclaimed best fans in the word, and lose every trophy only to resume normal service when we return. Argument over."

Scott Cassidy, Bridgeton, remains convinced that the title wasn't decided on Sunday but all the way back in January.

He said: "After the dust has settled from the weekend. I still believe that Celtic making the SPFL shut down for winter early has cost Rangers the league. Not only has it cost us the league but also a manager as Steven Gerrard would have stayed but knew that Celtic run the league.

John Bruce emailed: "Supporting Rangers has been a roller coaster this season.

"From the highs of the European games to the lows of games against Motherwell, Dundee United and Celtic. Thursday's game against Braga in the Europa League is an ideal opportunity to lift the fans once more.

'The game will be more difficult without talisman Alfredo Morelos, who is also one of the tournament's top scorers. So the players will have to show more appetite than they did on Sunday and prove that they can win games, important games, without Alfredo - right until the end of the season."

However, couldn't resists a swipe at the regular Rangers contributor with Sunday's derby clash still dominating the phones.

Pat Shannon, Motherwell, said: "Just a wee line to John Bruce who's let us know periodically over this season how his beloved Rangers are back in their rightful place. They certainly are."

Celtic's Tom Rogic celebrates with teammates after making it 1-1 during a cinch Premiership match between Rangers and Celtic at Ibrox Stadium (2022 SNS Group)

Gerry Milligan, Erskine, added: "It's unbelievable to see the relative positions of Celtic and Rangers one year on nobody on earth would have even fantasised of the seismic change in fortunes.

"Rangers creaking squad now needs the overhaul Celtic went through, with money tighter than expected Rangers could struggle to get the required quality in for next season."

Philip Barnes felt Steven Gerrard saw the tide turning against Rangers before jumping ship to Aston Villa:

He said: "Gerrard could see this Rangers team falling apart and made a quick exit just in time. One in a row is not much to crow about down Ibrox way is it."

Robert McKelvie hoped the result would signal a changing of the guard, writing: "They should play some of their young players in the domestic games .who will bring some zip and energy to the team."

The ugly scenes that marred Scottish football's showpiece game are also still a hot topic with fans.

Gary Stevenson wrote: "Incredible the reactions to the crowd behaviour at Ibrox on Sunday.

"I have been reading the suggestions to penalise the club, close Ibrox for the rest of the Season, 20 points deduction, throw them out the league. Can I add another suggestion! Remove any coefficient points that Rangers gained this season!"

There was also mention of Alfredo Morelos who is set to miss the remainder of the season.

David Bryce, Troon, conceded that it will be tough to catch Celtic without the Colombian: "Morelos out for the season is a huge loss to Rangers. He is their most inspirational player by a mile. I feel an over reliance on Morelos has contributed to his injury. He always plays as do Goldson, Kent and Tavernier.

"Given Kyogo is on the brink of returning from injury , Celtic will feel like they have a good chance of winning the league title."

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