The blatant contempt Celtic are held in by jealous rivals will rob a man of his rightful prize

Daily Record

22-04-2025

Hearts have come out swinging at officials over their Scottish Cup semi final defeat to Aberdeen.
Tynecastle chiefs want answers from the SFA after ref John Beaton sent off Michael Steinwender and Cammy Devlin - before adding a third after the full time whistle as he flashed red at assistant boss Mike Garrity. Hotline callers, however, have already made up their minds on the matter.
Willie Mercer, Dumfries, said: 'Once again the outcome of a cup game at Hampden has been influenced by the inept performance of the match officials. The first red card for Hearts is debatable on the basis that there was a defender capable of covering. The second booking for Devlin was a disgrace, he had his eyes fully on the ball and the Aberdeen player nicks in just as he goes to play it, making the contact accidental. Too often now games have been won and lost through the ineptitude of our referees and I have no doubt that Beaton and his match officials done Hearts out of a place in the final.'
But Ian Urquhart isn't impressed with the Jambos' claims.. He emailed: 'All season we have had to listen to what Hearts were going to do this season, first it was split the Old Firm, then get third, then top six and win the Scottish Cup. Now it's the referee's fault for cheating. What a lot of nonsense that lot talk, the sooner they realise they are an average team in the bottom half of the league for a reason the better. At this stage they still could be in a relegation scrap. Third team in Scotland? They're not even the third biggest in Edinburgh.'
And Hibee Neil Renton, Leith, couldn't resist chipping in. He said: 'I had to check that it wasn't the first of April when I read Hearts'l statement. Maybe they should print out loads of the statement and use it to paper over the cracks at Tynie. The Gorgie mob are in free fall and they're at fault - not officials.'
Celtic cantered into the final with a 5-0 win over St Johnstone and Brendan Rodgers now stands on the brink of a historic third domestic treble as boss. Gordon Ashley, Ayr, said: 'There is only one choice for manager of the year. Brendan Rodgers has re-established Celtic as Scotland's top European club and the only one competing at the top level. He's also made us the world's most successful football club and if he completes the Treble will make this our greatest season since Lisbon. Case closed.'
But Stephen Johnstone, Ardentinny, argued: 'Celtic fans are being disrespectful to Aberdeen as the Scottish Cup is still to play for. Brendan Rodgers claiming a historic treble? They should wait and not count their chickens before they hatch.' Stephen Mulhern, Dumbarton, said: 'That was a five star performance against a side that have had a fantastic Scottish Cup record in recent years. Even with Maeda playing out wide when I believe his best position is centre forward he still weighed in with two goals. However, despite his goal, Adam Idah still flatters to deceive and if Kyogo is open to a move back next season Rodgers should prioritise this.'
Scott McAdam, Glasgow, took aim at regular caller Alan Flett when he said: 'What a performance from the champions, no doubt we will be told we are playing no one by Alan Flett and few others. But it will be great to see title number 55 done and a cup final to look forward to. Over at Ibrox I hear they are leaving a phone box for the fans to get in so they can enjoy all the dead rubbers they have left.'
And Stephen McDonald emailed: 'So Rangers have ended the season with no trophies again, everyone knew this at start of the season except Rangers fans. The simple fact is that the next Old Firm is a dead rubber. For Celtic our only priority left this season is the Scottish Cup and it has been for a while.'