The fallout from a busy weekend of Scottish Premiership action has seen Rangers' penalty award against St Mirren come under heavy scrutiny, with some supporters calling for UEFA to investigate. Celtic remain four points clear at the top of the table heading into the international break, but their narrow 1-0 win over bottom side Kilmarnock at Celtic Park drew criticism from fans.
Celtic's narrow win fails to impress
Celtic were made to work for their 1-0 victory over Kilmarnock, a result that did not satisfy all supporters. Paul Price from Glasgow was unhappy with the performance, stating: "Regular Hotline readers will know I think the world of Martin O'Neill and what he has achieved so far in his second spell in charge. Now, after witnessing the most lacklustre – and I have to add embarrassing – performance by Celtic at home against a team that are lacking in confidence and self-belief. I only want to say, to each and every Celtic player involved in the game...when you get up in the morning can you seriously look in the mirror and say you are Celtic class?"
Kenny Wilson from Moffat also expressed concern, emailing: "Three points for the champions but once again another average display and I thought some players were feeling the effect of Thursday night's game. Still didn't look solid in defence and Killie had their chances to steal a point."
Rangers' penalty decision under fire
Rangers secured a 2-0 win over St Mirren in Paisley, but the performance and the penalty decision that broke the deadlock were both questioned. Iain Morrison from Livingston said: "Another poor performance from Rangers at Paisley. Going to win hee-haw with performances like this. As a Rangers fan, never a penalty. Last international break came at a bad time. This one is coming at the right time."
The spot kick was awarded by referee Nick Walsh when James Penrice went down in the box under pressure from St Mirren defender Samuel Ramos. Walsh was backed up by Greg Aitken in the VAR room, and Ryan Naderi stepped up to score.
Robert Livingstone from Palm Beach said: "Rangers were in control of the game but surely McInnes should be concerned by only scoring two goals, one a dubious penalty, when they passed up chances for a few more? Kelsy and Naderi were the culprits, chance's that would be food and drink for Shankland. Hopefully he's back soon as they're going to need him in this two horse race to the finish."
Russell Black from Banchory called for more involvement for one player, adding: "Rangers need to get their act together pronto and get Findlay Curtis tied down with a contract, he also needs to be given game time from the start of matches. We have been woeful with our corners this season, deliveries have been poor, Curtis is well able to deliver a good ball from the corner and from free kicks. I can't understand why McInnes is not using him."
Calls for UEFA investigation
The penalty decision sparked major backlash from some supporters. Andrew Welsh said: "I don't want to hear any more Rangers supporters saying anything about decisions going against them, that's two weeks in a row they have got away with the prize. No sending off and a penalty that should have been given, and then that dive against St Mirren. The referee should be stood down for a couple of weeks, shocking."
Henry Moffat from Stirling said: "I was well aware of the furore surrounding decisions for Rangers this year, but after seeing the clip showing match changing calls in their favour in every game this season it's clear something is not right here. It's time UEFA stepped in and looked at this."
Aberdeen slump to heavy defeat
Stephen Robinson is facing major pressure after Aberdeen slumped to a 4-0 defeat to Hibs at Pittodrie, a result that sent the club to 11th spot in the table. Tam Bain from Desborough said: "Now do you believe, I've been saying for weeks now Robinson has to go? Also the whole Aberdeen board must look at themselves, a few of them have to follow Robinson out the door. Wholly unacceptable dross."
Rab from Dumfries said: "How can Robinson survive? Losing to Rangers was disappointing but being taken apart by the 1960s, hoofball exponents from the bottom of the league is totally unacceptable - he must go!"
