The domestic season has reached its climax, but the controversies and heated debates refuse to die down. The aftermath of Saturday’s events at Hampden saw tempers boil over on the Hotline. Outraged Rangers supporter Alan Flett was quick to express his frustration following his team’s Scottish Cup Final defeat. He criticized the match officials, accusing them of favoring Celtic in crucial moments. Flett’s exasperation was evident as he argued that decisions like the one involving Niko Raskin and Joe Hart were questionable at best, suggesting a bias that favored their rivals.
Another caller, Stuart McLeod, echoed Flett’s sentiments, emphasizing the perceived one-sidedness of the officiating throughout the season. He pointed out instances where decisions seemed to go against Rangers, fueling a sense of injustice among the fans. The pressure from Celtic supporters on referees was a common theme in the complaints, raising concerns about the fairness and integrity of the game.
Ralph Hamilton added his voice to the chorus of disapproval, highlighting what he saw as another incorrect VAR decision that ultimately benefited Celtic. The dissatisfaction with officiating extended to the handling of incidents involving players from both teams, with discrepancies in how fouls were judged sparking further controversy.
In contrast, Celtic fan Paul McArdle strongly defended his team against accusations of favoritism, citing instances where he believed decisions had gone against them. He stressed the perception of bias and inconsistency in officiating, downplaying the claims of unfair advantages enjoyed by Celtic.
The post-match reactions continued with Philippe Clement expressing his discontent with refereeing decisions that, in his view, influenced the outcome of the match. The frustration and sense of injustice were palpable as fans and pundits analyzed the events that transpired on the pitch.
Amidst the drama and controversy, Celtic emerged victorious, with Adam Idah’s decisive goal securing the cup for the team. The discussions around the match, the referee’s decisions, and the impact on the outcome reflected the passion and intensity that defines Scottish football.
As the dust settled on the final, the focus shifted to potential transfers and player evaluations, with speculations about promising talents and future prospects dominating the post-match conversations. The anticipation of what lies ahead for both clubs added another layer of intrigue to an already eventful conclusion to the domestic season.
Gerard Milligan from Renfrewshire suggested that Celtic might benefit from Matt O’Riley’s recent dip in form. He mentioned that any potential suitors would have likely lost interest in the player due to his poor performance, unless Celtic preferred to keep him for the potential £25 million transfer fee.
Gordon Hendry from Ochiltree, a Rangers fan, emphasized the need for immediate decisions from the manager and board. He urged them to secure Lawrence Shankland before the Euros and to prioritize the sale of Cyriel Dessers.
Barriemore Barlow from Dunbartonshire expressed the view that Clement, presumably a coach or manager, needs to make some tough decisions and prioritize performance over sentimentality. He suggested moving out players like James Tavernier, Scott Wright, Nico Raskin, Tom Lawrence, Kieran Dowell, and several others to create space for new signings ahead of the upcoming season.