Shock Rangers rumour sweeps through Hotline but devilish claim sees Celtic fanatics slapped with a custard pie

The Old Firm clash at Parkhead is still a week away but it’s already taken over the Hotline. Forget any festive cheer among rival fans though - it’s more season’s greetin all the way as the row over away fan lockouts rumbles on.

Alfie Mullin, London, said: “Is there any truth in the rumour that Celtic rejected Rangers' request to have a 700 fan allocation for the game at Celtic Park because they didn't want to be outnumbered?” Scott Gowers, Edinburgh, said: “Rangers being offered no tickets for the Old Firm game is a clear and distinct breach of the rules which brings the integrity of the sport into question. If Celtic don't want to agree to the proper rules they should not be allowed to compete.

"Celtic opted not to take their allocation at Ibrox which was totally down to them. Stating that there is a security issue when other club’s fans receive an allocation is purely prejudiced and slanderous which should lead to the severest of penalties.”
Andy Lanigan, Glasgow, said: “Celtic fans are trying to say the away ticket ban is to prevent incidents and promote safety. Their lack of self awareness and grip of history shines through. Remind me at what ground Ally Maxwell, Gordon Strachan and the AC Milan keeper were assaulted and where Hugh Dallas was struck by a coin and Fernando Ricksen by a lighter?”

Rangers moved within two points of Celtic with a 2-0 win over St Johnstone on Wednesday night. But boss Philippe Clement was raging with Diallang Jayesimi’s challenge on John Lundstram that earned the Saints man a red card after a VAR check.

Stephen Johnstone, Ardentinny, said: “Referees need to be more on the ball and flash the red card straight away before there’s another Ian Durrant horror moment and career ending