What do you get when you mix two lots of SFA charges with a large helping a compliance officer controversy and lashings of whataboutery on top?
A recipe for blistering Hotline carnage that’s what.
Kemar Roofe’s retrospective ban for his challenge on Murray Davidson and Rangers’ subsequent criticism of the ‘inconsistent’ disciplinary system were all the ingredients required for another red hot debate - not helped by Celtic striker Albian Ajeti being admonished of his charge of diving against Kilmarnock.
As a starter, J Colven, Arbroath, emailed: “It's really quite obvious - Roofe lost his appeal because he plays for Rangers.”
But Paul McCormack, Coatbridge, blasted: “Rangers fans are blowing major hot air about Roofe’s ban and ‘trial by TV’ chat is garbage. What do Rangers fans think SFA stands for? Seldom Fair Association. Dry your eyes. It was a red all day, everybody knows it.”
Brian McColligan emailed: “That’s three clubs that have been disadvantaged by the referee’s decision not to dismiss a Rangers player and the player being retrospectively banned. These clubs were not afforded the benefit of playing against 10 men and all losing by a single goal, with possible relegation problems come May for some of these clubs.”
Stephen Johnstone, Ardentinny, said: “What’s the point having referees when they make one decision only to be over-ruled by the SFA disciplinary process and players banned? There should be no interference from anyone after the ref has decided the punishment - it’s just undermining his position and trust.”
Bill Duncan, Aberdeen, said: “Celtic supporters should acknowledge that the compliance officer had to say that Ajeti's dive was not proven because there was minimal contact on his way down.”
James McCafferty, Edinburgh, said: “Instead of Steven Gerrard constantly complaining and questioning the SFA, referees and the compliance officer about retrospective action being taken against his players, should he not be talking to his team members directly and strongly about their disregard for the safety of their opponents? Or is he waiting for an opposing player to be very severely injured before he decides to look ‘in house’ to solve the obvious problem?”
And Steve McSherry, Uddingston, said: “When clubs appeal red cards and subsequently lose the appeal they should be hit with an additional ban. This would stop the likes of Rangers wasting the panel’s time when the initial ban was totally justified.”
On to other matters and former Rangers chairman Dave King’s return to the back pages this week has stirred the pot.
Danny Robertson, Paisley, said: “For the vast majority of this season the Hotline has been inundated with disgruntled Celtic supporters lamenting their team and club’s shortcomings. Manager, players, scouting system and the board got it in the neck with extensive restructuring and widespread sackings called for. Dave King then appears and virtually agrees with this and suddenly all hell breaks loose with same supporters asking what's he talking about. It appears that if you're not ‘Celtic minded’ don't dare have an opinion on anything Celtic even if you agree with what is been said.”
Joe Smith, Coleraine, added: “Dave King’s ‘pack of cards’ statement is really getting under Celtic supporters’ skin as they know it's true. They have a £60 million wage bill to service and a team of players leaving in the summer and no money to replace like for like. One player sale at Rangers will cover any shortfall in finances for a change.”
Jim Docherty emailed: “I was reading Dave King’s article about Celtic not capitalising on their recent successes and I totally agree with his assumption, which is a shame coming from a Celtic fan, but nonetheless is accurate as they always wait to see if they qualify in Europe before spending cash. If this attitude is not resolved then we might not see trophies for a few years and or be able to recruit valued players, and fans will not renew season tickets.”
Gordon Ferguson, Kilwinning, said: “February 14, 2012, was seen as the end of Rangers Football Club. How ironic that by February 14, 2021, the rebirth of the world’s most successful football club is almost complete. But unlike Dave King I will not be opening one of my 55 bottles of wine until it’s signed sealed and delivered by Mr Steven Gerrard. So a Happy Valentine’s Day to all that wished ill on the Teddy Bears back then.”
Frustrated Celtic fan David Bryce, Troon, finishes today’s serving with a grumble. He said: “I’m so frustrated with Celtic. Second half on Wednesday we were superb, where has that intensity and quality been? Turnbull and Ajer were outstanding and, when he plays like that, Tom Rogic is the most exciting player in Scotland. Unfortunately he doesn’t do it enough however if we can keep him fit he could be a huge player next season for us.”
