Rangers won't pay price for Celtic failure because Europa League glory will bring Champions League riches - Hotline

The Scottish Premiership has more riding on it this season than in any other league campaign for a decade with direct entry to the Champions League group stage virtually guaranteed.

Celtic are favourites to come out on top as they hold a three point lead plus superior goal difference over Rangers.

However, the Light Blues have a second stab at reaching the promised land as they continue to make progress in the Europa League.

The winners of UEFA’s second tier competition qualify for the premier competition and the Ibrox side’s odds are shortening with every round.

Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s men are odds-on to reach the last eight following a 3-0 first leg win against Red Star Belgrade in the last-16.

And kicking off the Hotline said: “Should Rangers do the unthinkable and win the Europa League then it would make no difference whether Celtic win the league or not as Rangers would get an automatic Champions League spot.

“I’ve said many times that Rangers keep boosting the coefficient and Celtic are just trying to gain from Rangers ’ European success this season by trying to win the league.

“I hope other clubs in Scotland take note of Celtic’s neglect of the coefficient - a statement made by their manager after the humiliation by Bodo/Glimt.

“At least now we know Celtic and their board only care about the money and not their fans.”

said: “Rangers were called arrogant before the Red Star Belgrade game. Well, if that’s what takes them all the way to the final then they can be as arrogant as they like.”

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Gers were grateful for the use of VAR with Red Star Belgrade correctly having three goals chopped off for offside while Ryan Kent was awarded a penalty.

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