Gio van Bronckhorst's Rangers mixed messages leave hurting Ibrox punters demanding answers – Hotline

There's just 225 miles between Ibrox and Anfield but as far as the Hotline is concerned Liverpool and Rangers are worlds apart.

The Premier League giants may have only won 2-0 on Merseyside but the gulf in class was evident as Gio van Bronckhorst’s side were given the runaround by the Reds. Paddy Gowans said: “The gap between our league and the English league is massive. Liverpool didn't need to get out first gear to dismiss Rangers. These Old Firm fans need to get into the real world about where they stand in the European pecking order.”

Edward Fraser added: “So let's see that's three games in Europe and how many points and goals scored for Rangers so far? A big fat zero and they say Celtic are embarrassing Scottish football in Europe! At least we have a point and play attacking football.” John Scott, Grassmoor, said: “It can't be easy for Celtic and Rangers fans to finally realise they are way out of their depth in today's Champions League. Without the income of the really big clubs in Europe they just can't compete. In fact a bit like the SPFL where two giants have all the wealth and the rest feed off the scraps.

“The reality of how far our best have fallen behind Europe's elite is depressing. So perhaps the idea of a European Super League including Rangers and Celtic isn't such a bad idea. The game's moved on, so should they. Those teams left behind can then get on without accepting third is a success.”

Drew Ferguson, Oban, emailed in: “ Giovanni van Bronckhorst tells the media one minute that is players need to believe they can win against Liverpool but after the Ajax game tells the media they cannot compete with the financial gulf between the teams. Maybe something has been lost in translation.”

Frank