CELTIC BENEFIT FROM SFA RULE THAT DOESN'T EXIST AS RANGERS ONE-UPMANSHIP HAS HOTLINE RINGING OFF THE HOOK

There was a sense of relief among Rangers punters on the Hotline that they reached the Scottish Cup Final on the back of a ropy week.

And the fact they didn’t have to go through the wringer like Celtic in their Aberdeen epic 24 hours earlier. Philippe Clement's Gers were too strong for a Hearts side that didn’t do enough on the day and John Bruce emailed: “It's a great feeling, heading off for a break knowing that Rangers are safely through to the Scottish Cup final, having only taken 90 minutes – and no help from the officials – to defeat the league's third best team so strongly.”

Richard Wharton, Carlisle, said: “What a surprise. Hearts fail to turn up or score against Rangers again. It’s becoming a habit.” And Jim McClean, Isle of Bute, said: “I am fed up with Naismith bumping his gums before a big game. It came back to bite him on the backside once against. Do your talking on the pitch."

Celtic sealed their Hampden return but there were a couple of controversial VAR calls that went against the Dons. Graham Roberts, Edinburgh, said: “I seem to have missed the SFA rule change that states that you can't give a penalty against Celtic.

"Even Carthorse Vickers with head in hands accepted it was a penalty. I'm surprised that Aberdeen were allowed to take their penalties in a shoot out as it goes completely against the new rule change. Atrocious decision making yet again and the same team always benefits.”

Scott Gowers, Edinburgh, said: “Aberdeen were absolutely robbed. It was a clear foul for Celtic's first goal, Aberdeen wrongfully get a goal disallowed then VAR didn't bring back the clear off the line penalty save which can be proven.”

Hoops fan Stephen Mulhern emailed: “I’ve been a massive fan of Joe Hart and I’m hopeful he will have a rethink and stay for another season. He brings a calmness to the defence that Celtic can’t afford to miss next season and Brendan Rodgers should have him in his office Monday morning urging him to reconsider his decision.”

Some Celts were not so impressed though as James Robertson, Alabama, said: “I must confess, I thought we were dead meat. I turned the TV off when Aberdeen scored to make it 3-3, but alas we found a way to win.”

Tam Williamson, Lanarkshire, said: “The worst Celtic team defensively in living memory. The forwards once again missed a barrow load of chances in a game that should have been out of sight in normal time. But full credit to Aberdeen for making it a great spectacle for the neutral fans."

David Bryce, Troon, said: “Congratulations to Celtic for getting to the final. I must say though, this is the worst Celtic side since the Mowbray era. They are utterly woeful and coached by a bang average manager. No matter what happens this season, Rodgers must go. I cannot suffer another season watching this utter dross.”

Paul Price, Glasgow, said: “Full credit to the Aberdeen team and their fans for putting it to a Celtic team that were very very lucky to escape. I hope whatever happens come the end of the season that Rodgers resigns as it is plain to see he is not the man to lead us onwards and upwards."

2024-04-21T17:34:27Z dg43tfdfdgfd