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EUAN McLEAN ANSWERS YOUR CALLS

A BIT like the common cold or winter flu, there’s a lesser-known pandemic that sweeps Scotland from time to time with a range of recognisable symptoms.

It’s called Post-Old Firm Syndrome, contracted through the inhalation of settling dust after a recent encounter between two football teams in Glasgow.

It can be easily diagnosed through a range of irrational behaviours including gloating triumphalism, bitter resentment and often paranoid delusions.

Craig Gordon, Ayr, said: “Well done Celtic for shutting up their big-mouth fans and players. It was Champions League class versus a third-rate pub team.

“The Treble and 10 in a row will never be stopped by this skint Dog & Duck outfit.” Michael Edmonds, Northampton, emailed: “Mal Carruthers said he was ‘ecstatic’ after the 1-1 draw at Celtic Park in March. He must have been equally ecstatic yesterday as his team managed to keep the score down to 2-0, as the scoreline was no reflection on the difference in class between the two teams.”

Let’s ask him, shall we? Mal Carruthers, Troon, said: “Celtic were moaning about the referee all week but clearly had Willie Collum on their side at Hampden as Rangers were denied a clear penalty.

“They’ll keep banging on about being invincible but this one all comes down to a goalkeeping mistake and a snubbed penalty – is that the best Celtic can do?”

Rab Picken emailed: “No excuses about the result at all. It was a no-show from Rangers. But you could clearly see Celtic’s pressure on the officials worked.

“Good work from you both. Just remember you will never catch Rangers.” … who currently trail Celtic by 33 points.

Alan McGaw, Alloa, said: “I’m very disappointed.

Rangers didn’t turn up. The first half was non-existent and there was no attitude in the team.

“Things improved in the second half but you have to take your chances – and even if they did I suspect Celtic would have had another gear to see off any comeback.

“There’s a lot for Pedro Caixinha to consider but it’s hard to see many of these players lasting beyond the summer. Caixinha will want his own team and this is where Dave King has to step in.

“He needs to get over from South Africa and man the ship through this crucial stage in the team’s redevelopment.”

Andrew Lamb, Fraserburgh, emailed: “Given the financial gulf my only surprise was Rangers lost just 2-0. I fear Caixhina has a monumental task on his hands to even challenge for second place.

“Many at Ibrox need shown the exit door or else I fear we’re in for a one-sided league title for years to come.”

Gordon Hendry, Ochiltree, said: “It says a lot for Caixinha to tell the truth and admit to being a ‘nobody’ in football terms. But it should come as no surprise he was appointed by someone who knows nothing about managing a football team, our managing director Stewart Robertson.

“But still we’ll be expected to cough up our seasonticket money to keep both of them in their overpaid roles. King needs to get his finger out as these two will empty Ibrox next season.”

Aberdeen fan Sandy Lorraine reckons the Dons are ready to answer their doubters.

She emailed: “I hope now the ‘bottlers’ tag all the west coasters like to hang on the Dons is buried.

“Yes, they let a two-goal lead slip against Hibs but still came back to win the game.

“Watching the other semi-final it’s fair to say the blue side never turned up. Has Rangers’ bottle gone against Celtic? Come on ye Reds for the Final.”