There's still over a week to go before the first whistle blows on the Premiership season - but it’s already kicking off on the Hotline.
A four-match ban handed to Derek McInnes for branding Celtic’s penalty against Motherwell in May “disgusting” has got one section of supporters up in arms. The fact Rangers are appealing their new boss’ suspension has infuriated others.
And all coming a day after an independent report slated both sides of the Old Firm, police and supporters for their part in the derby day shame game at Ibrox in March.
Double standards accusations
Scott Gowers, Edinburgh, said: “McInnes is given a four-match ban for disagreeing with officials publicly, yet Martin O'Neill can say as he pleases about officials - even mentioning a blue card - and nothing gets done. Surely the blue card quip brings the game into disrepute as it directly questions the official?”
Stuart McLeod emailed: “Well what a surprise McInnes and Elliot Watt receive bans for comments whilst the SFA have the volume turned down when Martin O'Neill has something to say. Clubs being hamstrung before the season has kicked off is a new low for this hapless bunch. If Martin hadn't decided to go back to Celtic Park I'm sure he would probably be facing a four programme suspension at talkSPORT from the SFA. It really is time to get rid of this incompetent bunch.”
Alan Flett emailed: “McInnes gets a four match ban for telling the truth. Celtic fans invade the pitch on the final day, causing the match to be abandoned, yet they are still declared champions. That match should have been replayed behind closed doors. But, as usual, it's one rule for Celtic and another set of rules for everyone else.”
Rangers appeal criticised
However, Joe Hailey, Baillieston, said: “So the custodians and ‘integrity’ champions of Scottish football are starting their appeals early this season! It defies belief that this club can preach integrity to anyone after their recent history. Give us a break and just shut up!”
Jon Caw emailed: “If McInnes gets his sentence reduced then the SFA should all resign. He loves Celtic as much as I love Rangers. But being Rangers I expect he will receive a full pardon.”
And Hearts fan Davy Cook, Edinburgh, added: “Here we go, Rangers appealing the touchline ban, what a joke. Had McInnes still been at Hearts it would have been double. We all know who runs Scottish football and its not teams from the east.”
Ibrox shame game and ultra groups
Meanwhile, on the Ibrox shame game ruling, Donald Dundas, Uddingston, said: “Celtic ultras invaded the pitches against Hibs, Hearts and Motherwell. Against Rangers the Celtic ultras entered the playing surface first. The same ticketless balaclava wearing ultras who stormed and overwhelmed the turnstiles for entry to the stadium.
“Maybe banning these ultra groups is the answer as it's clear menacing behaviour is a dangerous threat between both groups who can't stand each other without hiding behind tricolour and blue masks. Plus the authorities should just deduct three points for each invasion. Even the bams will realise the effect on the clubs title ambitions.”
Rangers friendly and transfer talk
There was some football at Ibrox this week as Ligue 2 side St Ettiene were beaten 2-1 in a friendly by McInnes’ new-look Gers side.
But Drew Ferguson, Oban, said: “It's obvious to a blind man that Rangers lack real creativity, as the St Etienne team on Wednesday looked far more cohesive and threatening and kept the ball for fun while Rangers where fragmented and disjointed. Let's hope creativity and quality are added before the Dundee United game, or we may have a repeat of last season.”
Seamie Gallagher, Govan, said: “I noticed a lack of fans at the Ibrox friendly on Wednesday night. Seems there are doubts about the new Messiah McInnes already. What I've seen looks like Hearts MK2. So I feel six-in-a-row is achievable.”
Final word on transfers and Kelechi Iheanacho’s decision to snub Celtic’s new contract offer for Turkey.
Stephen Mulhern emailed: “I had to smile when I read Iheanacho saying he’s excited about joining Turkish second division side Bursaspor after knocking back staying at Celtic. It’s obvious it was for financial reasons only. And with him struggling to last 90 minutes in a hoops shirt it will be interesting to see how he copes with the intense heat in his new country.”
