Rangers running scared of full strength Celtic as Ibrox Hotline hardliner left clutching at excuses

Buckle up folks, the Premiership title race roars back out from the international break pit stop and towards the home straight this weekend. Rangers could retake pole position if they beat Hibs on Saturday before current leaders Celtic take on stragglers Livingston 24 hours later.

Hotline caller John Bruce claimed yesterday the Hoops were trying to put the brakes on Rangers’ charge by “intimidating Scottish football officials” after Brendan Rodgers’ blast saw him landed with an SFA date at Hampden.

But Kenny Wilson, Moffat, responded: “Obviously John Bruce is starting to get his excuses in early and is not so confident now Celtic are virtually at full strength for the first time this season. It’s the referee’s fault is the latest one and considering his team only concedes one penalty every two years it’s a bit rich coming from him. It’s the business end of the season and our tried and tested winners will show everyone what they’re made of yet again and the excuses will just keep on coming from the usual suspects.”

John Caw added: “Mr Bruce like so many of the anti-Celtic Hotliners should look at bigger picture. Before the international break, three players were kicked in the head by a high boot. You only need one guess to know which team was the one punished. No action was taken against other two. Incidentally one of the players kicked in head played for Celtic. Now tell me who runs Scottish football.”

Right on cue, John Bruce emailed: “Celtic fans have attacked their own club for everything from failing to back their manager in the transfer windows to bringing him back in the first place. So, it was interesting to read that they were now turning to their women’s game to unleash their fury with threats of a boycott if