Another summer and it appears Celtic are finding new ways to annoy the fan base. Having swerved Robbie Keane and given the manager's job to Martin O'Neill, it appeared lessons were starting to be learned. But with news emerging of haggling over wages for assistants Shaun Maloney and Mark Fotheringham, the Parkhead board risks missing out and inviting a world of protest trouble — which is saying something after last season.
Fan Backlash Over Assistant Wages
Stephen Mulhern, Dumbarton, emailed: "Going into the Champions League qualifier without his trusted lieutenants is unthinkable and if it turns out to be a financial matter then it’s nothing short of a disgrace."
Rangers Fans Accused of Early Celebrations
Far from dithering, Rangers have gone early this season according to Peter Hammil, Blantyre: "Usually Rangers fans declare themselves champions of the Next Season Cup in July, but after finishing 3rd they have went early in June for some bizarre reason. What is the difference between Rangers fans and Jack and the Beanstalk? Jack only bought magic beans once."
World Cup Concerns Over FIFA Interference
The World Cup gets underway tonight and Scott Gowers, Edinburgh, fears there is some FIFA skullduggery afoot. He said: "Firstly I'd like to wish Scotland all the best at the World Cup and hopefully we at least get out of the group stage, especially as it's easier now than ever before (surely there's hope). Unfortunately for Scotland we have a FIFA that care more about money than fair play. FIFA are really keen to expand the competition and have been trying to make it easier for the lesser footballing nations, all we need to do is look at the emergence of the African nations. Unfortunately this emergence has been at the expense of mediocre to mid clubs missing out on decisions because of popular opinion officiating for the smaller emerging and much bigger nations. If a result doesn't go to FIFA's liking they will find any excuse to award a 3-0 scoreline to the other team, look at Morocco. FIFA have intervened in many countries when final whistles have not been blown because of crowd trouble and ensured the offending fans were given a 3-0 reversal in scoreline after the fact. What happened towards the end of last season in Scotland was shocking and either FIFA don't care about Scotland (mediocre to mid nation) to intervene or they are only caring about their money spinning World Cup and awarding the USA a trophy."
Infantino Under Fire
Speaking of FIFA shenanigans, old Gianni Infantino has been at it again and Peter Cooperwhite fears there will be World Cup chaos as a result. He emailed: "On Thursday morning a BBC reporter ask Gianni Infantino if he and FIFA have lost control of this World Cup. He was told chill relax still waiting for answer and the first World Cup peace award was awarded to Trump. What peace? I really hope I'm 100% wrong but this World Cup could easily turn into chaos fans banned and inflated prices. I'm going to lay a bet on USA progressing really far if not USA fans won't be interested in anything else."
John McGinn Defended Against Roy Keane Criticism
Neil Renton, Leith, is raising a glass to 'pub player' John McGinn: "I had to laugh at Roy Keane describing John McGinn as a pub player when he’s not on his game. When he’s at his best McGinn walks into any team in the Premier League. Keane’s beloved Man United could have done with Super John in recent years."
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