Gary Breen's Shane Duffy and Celtic criticism would have been more valid coming from Gary Tank Commander - Hotline
Gavin Berry takes your calls as Gary Breen faces the wrath of Scottish football fans.
by Sports Hotline, https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/authors/sports-hotline/Gary Breen made his Republic of Ireland breakthrough while playing in England’s second tier but reckons Shane Duffy’s move to Celtic could spell bad news for his international career.
And Breen came under fire on the Hotline for his claim that Duffy might have put his position with his country under threat by swapping the Premier League for the Scottish Premiership.
London-born Breen was capped 63 times in a 10-year international career with his first coming while at Championship side Birmingham City before he earned a move to England’s top flight with Coventry City, Sunderland and West Ham United.
Duffy netted on his Hoops debut in the 5-0 win over Ross County at the weekend but Breen believes the lack of quality opposition could mean the Derry defender’s standards will drop.
But Joe Connelly emailed: “Who is Gary Breen? Gary Tank Commander’s opinions on Scottish football are more valuable.
“What does he know about the Scottish game having played for Maidstone, Gillingham, Peterborough and Barnet?”
Paddy Gowans emailed: “Who is this Gary Breen mouthing off about Scottish football and saying Shane Duffy might lose his place in the Ireland team because he’s playing in the Scottish Premiership?
“Breen didn’t exactly set the heather on fire as a footballer playing for Coventry City and Sunderland.”
Rangers striker Alfredo Morelos could give Duffy one of his tougher tests in Scotland in next month’s Old Firm derby at Parkhead - if the Colombian is still around.
His agent is in Scotland at a time when the striker’s future is up in the air with the international linked with a string of European club.
Morelos was crocked after a crude challenge from Dundee United’s Ryan Edwards at Ibrox which saw referee Kevin Clancy come in for severe criticism.
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There is never a dull moment with Morelos and John Robertson emailed: “I can’t believe Rangers fans are shouting for referee Kevin Clancy to stop doing their games.
“They have short memories. Alfredo Morelos made three red card challenges on three separate Celtic players and nothing was done about it that day. Mind you, the referee that day was John Beaton.”
Liam Birney, Paisley , said: “Don’t you just love the overreaction of Rangers fans to the ‘career threatening’ injury suffered by Alfredo Morelos, biased pundits and the referee conspiracy nonsense.
“Is this the same Morelos that every Rangers fan wanted rid of as he’s a liability and scored only two league goals this year?”
Steve McSherry, Uddingston , said: “Is there a club that hasn’t been linked with Alfredo Morelos? This transfer saga is becoming so boring.
“Let’s be honest, Rangers are trying to big up an average player who has found his level in a poor Rangers side.”
Gers gaffer Steven Gerrard questioned if Morelos would have been sent off if he’d committed the same challenge and Harry Fitzpatrick, Canada , emailed: “When will Steven Gerrard be charged with these statements on referees.
“This is not the first time and Neil Lennon would be charged for questioning the referee’s decision.”
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On the park things are going well for Rangers who turn their attention to Europe and a qualifier against Lincoln Red Imps in Gibraltar.
Robert Livingstone, Palm Beach , said: “Rangers are now looking like serious title contenders.
“I know there will always be controversy with bad referees, bad tackles and bad luck but that’s part and parcel of football.
“Rangers fans need to stop focusing on that and be over the moon with the way the team is playing.”
John Bruce emailed: “Rangers completely outplayed a Dundee United side that third-placed Celtic struggled to beat 1-0.
“Another clean sheet record was broken and the 4-0 scoreline flattered United as it should have been six or seven.
“Ryan Edwards’ shocking tackle on Alfredo Morelos - for which Edwards wasn’t even spoken to, let alone red carded - showed what Rangers can expect this season.
“There will be little protection from some referees and a ‘stop them at all costs’ approach from some players. It’s going to be a bumpy ride to 55.”
The waiting was over for 600 lucky fans at the weekend after two test events for home supporters to return at both Pittodrie and Ross County’s Global Energy Stadium.
But Willie Watt emailed: “The Scottish Government allow gyms, pubs and restaurants to trade but won’t allow fans into the two largest football stadiums in Scotland.
“It’s an utter disgrace and Nicola Sturgeon and her cronies seem to be making it up as they go along.”