talkSPORT pundit makes ‘brilliant’ Rangers argument to slam ‘pathetic’ Celtic after 6-0 loss live on air
Jamie O’Hara used the “brilliant” Rangers run to the Europa League final to argue that Celtic shouldn’t be in the Champions League after their 6-0 defeat to Atletico Madrid.
The talkSPORT pundit was reacting live on the station on 7 November after the 10-man Hoops were thrashed in Spain, accusing them of providing “pathetic viewing” for their fans.
He cited their dismal record in Europe over the last decade and held up the Light Blues run to Seville under Giovanni van Bronckhorst two seasons ago as evidence that it would be a better option.
O’Hara said: “It’s pretty pathetic viewing for Celtic fans… Is there any point in them even being in the Champions League?
“Do they need to just go through the qualifying system and try to qualify for it? Because they end up just getting knocked out of it, finishing bottom and they’re out of Europe before Christmas.
“You look at Rangers when they were in the Europa League, they had a brilliant run, great fun.
“I know they get money for the Champions League, I know it’s about money, I get that. But where are they going? They’re not improving in any season, they’re not getting better, it’s the same old, same old. They haven’t qualified for the knock-out stages since 2012.”
Jason Cundy called Brendan Rodgers’ side “embarrassing” and the “whipping boys” but claimed that all teams want either side of the Old Firm in their Champions League group when they are in the competition.
Haves and have-nots?
Rangers got a lot of criticism last season when they turned in the worst Champions League group stage campaign in history, but Celtic are now experiencing some of the same embarrassment.
Scottish football went without an automatic route into the top tier tournament for some years until recently so are bound to be loath to lose it.
O’Hara acknowledged himself that money is ultimately the crux of the matter and while Celtic are able to stay on top domestically they may be willing to take some hidings in Europe thanks to the cash it brings in, although Rangers got that money last season and haven’t made the most of it.
There is an argument that it is harder and harder for Scottish teams to compete in the premier continental competition, but at the same time Rangers overcame the likes of Champions League regulars Borussia Dortmand and RB Leipzig on their way to the final so it shouldn’t be impossible.
The memories of that run will live long among Gers fans, and had Van Bronckhorst had a fit recognised striker in Seville it easily could have ended with the trophy.
Some might argue that it is more an issue with Celtic in Europe than Scottish sides in the Champions League, as they were beaten home and away by Bodo/Glimt in the third-tier Europa Conference League in that same season.
Michael Beale’s failure to qualify for the group stage helped contribute to him losing his job, just as the terrible return in the competition helped get rid of Van Bronckhorst, but Philippe Clement still currently has the opportunity to emulate the Dutchman in the Europa League if he can continue his strong start at Ibrox.
In other Rangers news, a pundit’s joke was disregarded by the show’s host on the grounds of “an offence”.