17 May 2026 13:11:25
So now that the dust is starting to settle on an entertaining weekend I would like to share my thoughts and welcome your opinions.
First up the conspiracy theory stuff about referees. I saw a lot of Rangers fans wading in to this debate but for me it's our lack of ability to win games that has cost us the league, not referees decisions.
Second up did we really want Hearts to win the league and gain significant financial improvements whilst already benefiting from Tony Blooms money? Or did we justify it by our contempt for that lot from the East End?
Thirdly if Celtic win the Scottish Cup then I believe that moves us up into Europa qualifying? I might be wrong on this but again would our contempt for them stop us from wanting what's best for the club?
Fourthly regardless where we finish in the league I was brought up in the 70s with the mindset that no matter where we finish we are a club with standards, class and dignity. None of that on display across the city.
We are Rangers and we will return to our natural position at the top. Never give up hope regardless of how long it takes. Keep believing fellow bears WATP.
17 May 2026 13:29:18
I would give up a spot in Europa for Dunfermline to best them next week. The money isn't that much different between Europa & Conference. Europe is a bonus. We need to start winning leagues again.
17 May 2026 13:35:51
How is Celtic winning a double good for Rangers??
17 May 2026 13:50:27
I want euro football next season more than I want the Mankies to lose.
17 May 2026 13:56:06
Noodles, because if Celtic win the cup we're in the Europa, it befits our club.
17 May 2026 14:07:34
Benefit even.
17 May 2026 14:53:32
I have been one of the fans going on about referees, but I agree that 3rd place is on us and that we have not been good enough to win the league since 55.
I do think we would have won a couple more cups since then, but for the intervention of referees. But that's also subjective, because it's all sliding doors stuff.
But my biggest concern was always what happened to Hearts happening to us.
Football is a game that is decided in moments, and although I would much prefer to believe in the integrity of our officiating, I simply don't.
I have seen so many bizarre incidents since VAR that I cannot ignore my instincts that something has been very off when it comes to our officiating. Bias because of the intimidation by Celtic and their fans is the only plausible explanation for what I have witnessed.
I know it's anathema to Rangers fans, it is to me personally as well, but it's my firmly held opinion that's exactly what has been happening.
I will never apologise for my opinion or expressing it, ok, maybe when I do it in a cheeky way. Lol.
17 May 2026 15:26:58
Tommy, I know we disagree, but there are many plausible explanations for this and, at the bottom of it, I'm afraid is intimidation by Celtic.
As evidence, FIFA have selected no Scottish referees for the World Cup. That decision was made after 3 years of watching referees in European competitions. So, during these matches where they down officiate any Scottish team, they have been deemed not good enough, quality wise, to be amongst the top 150 officials in the world.
And, longer term, they haven't been good enough to break into the elite group of UEFA referees.
So I would say this proves that they are just poor rather than biased. That, in itself, is a sadder set of affairs and Collum should be looking at how to improve those sad facts. It must be bad if McDermott is one of the best we have in this country. In fact, I wish he was biased and intimidated rather than just being piss poor.
17 May 2026 15:40:05
I think we have covered this enough between us for any lifetime, Angus. I will save us some time going over old ground and say that I very much wish I felt the same way but I just don't.
I am envious of you in this respect and really hope you maintain your opinion. I don't want you to change it, because it's horrible feeling this way and I would not wish it on you.
17 May 2026 15:56:08
I find it utterly mind boggling that some of our fans would prefer us to give up a place in Europe that Celtic win the double.
How is that helpful to the club? It isn't? For me, I find it a shame that they put their disdain for another club, before the wellbeing of our own.
Can someone make it make sense, please?