Rangers penalty debate reaches new Hotline heights as astonishing stats trotted out in wild world record dossier

The back-biting and bickering has returned. Which can only mean the international break is over and club rivalry is back to the forefront of the minds of those who inhabit Hotlineland. And penalties appear to be front and centre of the thinking of some who made contact.

Chris Lowe, Yoker, said: “I see Henry Moffat has been on the Christmas spirit again with his claim in yesterday’s Hotline that Rangers haven’t had a penalty against them in two years. Hearts got one the other week in the League Cup semi final. Morton got one earlier in the competition. Patrick Thistle also got one last year too. I can tell you Rangers haven’t had one at Parkhead in over 13 years, now there’s a stat for you to mull over, Henry.”

But Liam Birney, Paisley, said: “Let’s try and put an end to the 'Penalty to Rangers' debate with hard facts and statistics. Rangers currently have the highest penalty-per-minutes played ratio in Europe. Since 2018 they have had 43 to Celtic’s 15. They are the only team in Europe that has not had a penalty given against them since VAR was introduced to leagues and are on a run of 67 league games without conceding one. They have eight more games to go to achieve the world record of not conceding a penalty in the top 20 leagues! I rest my case.”

Alan Flett emailed: “Thank goodness the international break is over and we can get back to the real stuff this weekend. International football has become a hindrance to club football and I couldn’t care less if Scotland ever play another match. As I’ve said before on the Hotline, international football should be abolished ASAP!”

Robert Livingstone, Palm Beach, said: “Seems there could be a possibility of Shankland and Van Veen both arriving at Ibrox in January. Certainly