Celtic's dramatic European victory over Besiktas has divided opinion among fans, with some urging the team to build on the result while rivals downplay the achievement. The comeback win, secured after a lackluster first half, has sparked a wave of reactions on the Sports Hotline.
Fans demand consistency after Besiktas comeback
Paul McCormack from Coatbridge said: "A brilliant comeback and win. But then again we thought after Hearts we would push on, then we went back to type. Now it's on to Sunday against second bottom in the league. Will the real Glasgow Celtic please stand up?"
Kenny Wilson from Moffat praised the second-half improvement, saying: "At last, a much needed win from Celtic and showing some fight for once with a great second half performance. No doubt the subs made a huge difference but thought Mika Baur was outstanding. Will this change our season and give us confidence or is it only papering over the cracks? Only time will tell..."
William Hutchison from Aberdeen noted the contrast between halves, commenting: "Finally a good result in Europe and at home. First half was boring but more exciting in the second half. Benjamin Nygren should have changed his footwear as he was slipping more times than Bambi on ice."
Celebration police and title hopes
George Begley celebrated the result, saying: "Didn't manage to watch the game live but that's some result for Celtic. It all went a bit quiet at my Rangers-leaning local when I nipped out for a late pint to celebrate!"
Stephen Mulhern from Dumbarton focused on the impact of substitutes, stating: "I've had more fun in the house with toothache than I did watching Celtic struggle in the first half, but the transformation when our substitutes came on was incredible. And if Celtic have any hopes of retaining the title, Duran must now be nailed on to be played through the middle for the rest of the campaign." He added: "It's blindingly obvious trying to fit Kasper Hogh into the team is akin to trying to do a jigsaw puzzle when you haven't got the picture on the box."
However, Rab Picken from London was less impressed, saying: "Miracles do happen! Martin O'Neill celebrating three European points with the Celtic fans that actually turned up. You would think they ha won a European final from the interviews and celebrations. Still, they have no chance of progression though..."
Hearts' European woes continue
Hearts endured a difficult night in Europe, losing 3-1 to Swiss side Thun. Neil Renton from Leith was critical, saying: "It's been some week for Hearts. Get beat off the mighty Hibs in the League Cup semi-final, then go THIRTEEN games without a win in Europe (which much be a Scottish record)."
He also questioned the club's finances, adding: "Not only that, they've reported operational losses of £2.4million. Can any Jambos answer why the money made from star striker Lawrence Shankland to Rangers hasn't shown up in the reports?"
James Penrice's Scotland call-up also drew comment from Martin Roberts, who said: "I see the Killie stroke Celtic fan Marty from Clydebank has had a go at Penrice getting picked for Scotland because he plays for Rangers.. So can he tell me, who are the players knocking at the door at left back then? He is so anti-Gers, it's sad.."
