Celtic were found wanting once again on the continental stage after being thumped 4-1 by Benfica in the Europa League. Amid the fall-out, Martin O'Neill is now taking flak on the Hotline for his positive outlook on the heavy defeat at the Estadio Da Luz.
The result left the Premiership champions winless after two league phase clashes and in need of points quickly if they are to extend their campaign into the knockout rounds. O'Neill still believes his men can get the job done, but punters aren't really sharing his faith at the moment.
Fans hit out at O'Neill's 'spin'
Stephen Mulhern, Dumbarton, got in touch to say: "Martin O’Neill is fooling nobody when saying he’s taking positives from the second half performance. Stevie Wonder could have seen Benfica took their foot off the gas. And as far as the enigma Kasper Hogh is concerned, it seems there’s more chance of Lord Lucan being found than him hitting the net. I’ll be amazed if he’s not warming the bench on Sunday."
Peter Cooperwhite added: "Reading Martin O'Neill's post-match interview I now see why he is a called, a legend. A legend of spin maybe. After losing three goals in the first half to a benfica B team, he said his subs made a difference and his team was terrific. They created many chances, hit the woodwork and got a consolation goal but benfica were still in control and rounded it off with a fourth."
Rangers fans respond to critics
John Spence, South Ayrshire, called in to say: "I expect that at half time in the Benfica game on Thursday night, some of the Celtic fans that bang on about Rangers being knocked out of Europe by two pub teams were wishing the same fate had befell them. Such was the chasm in class I almost felt sorry for them, and if Benfica hadn't effectively stopped playing in the second half the scoreline could have been anything. On the up side, at least Hogh managed to get a goal assist before he was hooked at half time, his pass to a Benfica player led to their third goal!"
Kenny Wilson, Moffat, stated: "Celtic well beaten by an undoubtedly better team but once again showed our defensive frailties. Our defence and keeper are nowhere near good enough. We created chances and were better in the second half after the substitutions and (Alex) Oxlade-Chamberlain and (Callum) Osmand certainly should start getting more game time But I won’t hold my breath as the manager can’t see past certain players not performing every week."
Rangers fans boast of European pedigree
Rangers failed to qualify for Europe completely earlier this season but that hasn't stopped callers of an Ibrox persuasion boasting that they still hold more weight on the continent. Addressing Scott McAdam, Alan Flett said: "So Rangers are the laughing stock of Europe? What planet are you on? We reached the Europa League final in 2022 and quarter final in 2025. Celtic are the only club to be knocked out of all three Euro comps in the same season and haven't won a KO tie for 23 years! Your ignorance holds no bounds! When it comes to talking crap, yourself and Stephen Mulhern take some beating! You make Gordon Ashley look astute, and that's some achievement!"
In a similar vein, Lewis Fotheringham added: "In response to Scott McAdam stating Rangers have been a laughing stock, he forgets that Celtic were put out of the Champions League last season by the mighty Kairat Almaty. And just last month, we saw them surrender a 4-0 aggregate lead over minnows LASK. The only reason Celtic got automatic Champions League group stage action in the last few years is because of Rangers' great record in Europe."
Challenge Cup praise for Clydebank
And finally, Danny Gallagher had something on his mind following Rangers B's exit to Peterhead in the Challenge Cup. He commented: "I noticed a caller coming on here with a gripe about the number of miles Rangers B had to travel etc etc in the KDM Evolution Trophy. I think people should be talking instead about the performances put up by Clydebank in topping the whole league phase….. Not bad for a fifth tier club who defeated several league clubs along the way. Well done the Bankies."
