Michael Beale's claim about Rangers fans branded a disgrace as seething diehards unite in Hotline fury

It is Michael Beale’s 43rd birthday today but it turns out only the Celtic support are in the mood for celebrating.

The under-fire Rangers boss has certainly been treated to a round of the birthday bumps after Sunday’s defeat in this season’s Old Firm opener. The Londoner will be hoping for the gift of time as he looks to turn around his stuttering side but that may be wishful thinking judging by the mood of the bruised Bears calling up the Hotline. RobMcNab, Dunoon, was first on to vent: “Gio van Bronckhorst won the Scottish Cup, got to a European final with no striker and then got us into the Champions League - he was sacked after 12 months. Beale has won nothing, his team has no identity, no desire, no flair, and no shape. He got us knocked out of the Scottish Cup, Champions League and is four points behind Celtic after four games. He has been in the job for nearly a year.”

John Bruce said: “In Sunday's Old Firm game, Rangers faced a Celtic team that even their own fans would probably admit was not the strongest. At Ibrox, with no away fans present, only three of Michael Beale's nine summer signings were in the starting line-up. And we were beaten. For the second time in four league games. It now leaves us behind Motherwell and St Mirren after spending the thick end of £15million? Rangers fans have every right to be concerned.”

Brendan Rodgers’ REAL Celtic line-up revealed as £30m jolt to heroes of Ibrox sends ominous warning to Rangers

Rangers fan Drew Ferguson, Oban, added: “I kept reading the headlines before Sunday’s game that Rangers were 'favourites' but I struggle to understand how anyone could come to that conclusion as we’ve not shown any quality of form at any time this season. In the final third they have