NafisaThe radio host issued a sharp reminder about Celtic and the coefficient rankings to a Rangers fan who called into his show.
A heated exchange unfolded on talkSPORT as a pundit debated with a Rangers supporter over Celtic’s Champions League exit, with a clear reminder about the coefficient impact.
Rangers have significantly contributed to Scotland’s European coefficient standings, thanks to their Europa League final appearance in 2022 and consistent performances in European knockout stages. This success has helped secure direct access to the Champions League group stages, a benefit Celtic have capitalized on by winning the last three league titles.
This season, Brendan Rodgers’ squad progressed beyond the league phase and put up a strong fight against Bayern Munich. Despite a 1-1 draw in Germany, Celtic were eliminated with a 3-2 aggregate loss in the knockout round play-off.
Hosting talkSPORT’s Sports Bar, former Tottenham and Wolves midfielder Jamie O’Hara fielded a call from a Rangers fan. The caller pointed out that Rangers’ European success, including a notable 4-2 victory over Borussia Dortmund on their way to the Europa League final, had helped boost Scotland’s coefficient—ultimately benefiting Celtic. They hoped their rivals would return the favor.
The fan argued: “It’s unfortunate for them, they’re out, we wanted them to progress through because we needed those coefficient points. And they benefitted from Rangers doing from that for them, the hard way. And we went to Germany…”
O’Hara was quick to shut that down, countering with: “But they benefited, because they won the league and you didn’t.”
The caller persisted: “I know, but we had to go to Germany and score four goals.”
O’Hara doubled down, reinforcing the point that coefficient success doesn’t translate into domestic dominance: “You can’t win the League, so you don’t play in the Champions League, you can’t qualify for it but Celtic have.”
The Rangers supporter conceded: “It’s okay for us to accept that because that’s who we are.” But O’Hara wasn’t having it: “I know, but you can’t ask for favours off Celtic.”
The fan clarified their stance, emphasizing the bigger picture: “No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no. Scotland need favours off Celtic. Your Hearts and your Hibs…”
A Different Perspective
Co-host Jason Cundy, however, had a less generous take on Celtic’s efforts. His response was more dismissive, offering only a brief acknowledgment: “Credit to Celtic. They didn’t take their chances in the first half. Wasted chances. Bayern were terrible. Celtic were brilliant. Yet, they come away with nothing. Absolutely nothing. Other than credit, what does credit give you? Yeah, well done. Pat on the back. They were the better side. But glorious failure. It’s a glorious failure.”
O’Hara defended Celtic’s performance, arguing: “Yeah, but they have played Bayern Munich. They have gone to their own backyard and were 30 seconds away from winning away from home and it gets them to extra time. They put in a top performance. Some of the football they played. I think they deserve a little bit more than credit.”
Nafisa
