Celtic conspiracy theorists silenced as disbelieving Rangers punters erupt over string of decisions - Hotline

Forget Auld Lang Syne and drinking cups of kindness - the final Hotline of the year brought a bucketful of bitterness after Saturday’s explosive Old Firm. Match officials were predictably in the firing line over the call not to penalise Celtic’s Alistair Johnston for handling in the box, a decision later explained for Abdallah Sima being offside.

Hoops fans were understandably full of cheer after their side’s 2-1 win - but couldn’t resist slaughtering Rangers boss Philippe Clement with the Ibrox side demanding VAR audio is released of the first half flashpoint. Oh.. and there was still space left on the airwaves for Aberdeen fans to take aim at Barry Robson after another pitiful Pittodrie defeat.

Willie Mercer, Dumfries, fired the starter gun, blasting: “The decision not to award the penalty when Johnston punched the ball was made solely on VAR at the time assessing the handball, it had absolutely nothing to do with offside, which was an explanation given in hindsight. Not to give the penalty was an absolutely unbelievable decision as was the lack of second yellow cards for both Bernardo and Johnston. Perhaps this abject performance by the match officials will quieten those conspiracy theorists from the east end of Glasgow, and they will see Scottish officials for what they are, totally incompetent.”

Andrew Adams, Kirkcaldy, said: “Celtic celebrated like they've already won the league, well they've not won anything yet. But if they keep getting refs on their side like Saturday, they'll have a great chance. A stonewall handball, half an hour later it was an offside check? How to cover your mistake if ever I saw it. And how did Paulo Bernardo and Johnston stay on?”

And George McLeish raged: “Once again the Parkhead lot