QUOTE OF THE DAY
‘Sutton suggesting the Old Firm game be postponed is ridiculous. Both sides are losing key players – just get on with it’
THE winter break is almost over but Chris Sutton’s call for next month’s Old Firm showdown to be put on ice again has drawn a frosty reception from the Rangers support.
The Hoops’ four Japanese stars and Aussie ace Tom Rogic face being drafted for World Cup qualifying action ahead of the February 2 clash with Rangers.
SPFL rules give Ange Postecoglou the right to demand a postponement if three or more players are unavailable due to international involvement but the Ibrox faithful reckon that would only prove the Parkhead side are running scared.
Gavin MacLeod, Renfrew, said: “Sutton suggesting the Old Firm game should be postponed is ridiculous.
“Neil Doncaster has already said there is no more room for fixtures and that was clear when the shutdown was brought in early. Both sides are losing key players, with Joe Aribo at the Africa Cup of Nations – just get on with it!”
Gary Shields added: “If Celtic go on Sutton’s advice to postpone the Rangers fixture due to players missing they should forfeit the three points and surrender them to the Light Blues, end of! They should stop trying to cheat their way to another title!”
Donald Mills said: “Caller Gordon Ashley claims Celtic and the other nine clubs showed foresight in calling for an early winter break but one club continues to ‘rock the boat’. Pity we have a 12-club league Gordon. Can’t wait to beat Celtic in a full stadium… again.”
Gers return to action at Aberdeen on Tuesday and George Wilson, West Sussex, believes his side are on their way to another title.
He said: “The false confidence of the Celtic supporters on here is hilarious. It’s based on blind faith in new signings no-one has even heard of or never seen apart from a 10-second YouTube clip and the return of certain injured players who contributed towards being 25 points behind Rangers last year.
“Celtic’s spending spree is over and they don’t have enough cover for a poorly-trained, injury-prone squad. Just a reminder Celtic last had a league victory over Rangers in September 2019 and while they will obviously win eventually, Celtic are still streets behind Rangers in every department.”
Hibs defender Paul McGinn has been hit with a two-game SFA ban for blasting ref John Beaton as “inept” after the Premier Sports Cup Final.
Neil Renton, Edinburgh, said: “I feel for McGinn. He doesn’t deserve a two-game ban for having a go at Beaton. He was only saying what everyone else was thinking. If anything it’s Beaton who should be banned.”
But Chris Lowe, Glasgow, wasn’t happy with the timing ahead of Hibs’ trip to Celtic Park on Monday, saying: “I see Hibs have a player banned by the compliance officer four weeks after an offence and just as they’re about to play Celtic. I seem to recall the Celtic chairman making remarks about a referee at their recent AGM. When does he get cited?”
Scott Gowers, Edinburgh, agreed. He said: “I can’t believe who the first beneficiaries are regarding McGinn’s suspension. The script was pre-written by the Celtic men who seem to run the SPFL. Why did it take so long to get to the disciplinary panel?”
Postecoglou says he’s no plans to bring in more recruits after securing his top targets already this month. But David Bryce, Troon, said: “Celtic are taking a huge risk if they do not sign an attacking midfielder.
“Rogic is a majestic player, however, he is prone to injury and David Turnbull is out for weeks yet. We also need a right winger. The squad is still short in vital areas.”