Hotline callers say avoiding Rangers v Celtic Cup final is dream scenario

There will be no Old Firm Scottish Cup Final after they were paired in the last four and some Hotline callers believe it's the best scenario for Hampden's end of season showpiece occasion.

Falkirk and Inverness will battle it out for a place at the national stadium in May and it appears the romance of the cup is alive and well. Tam Williamson, Lanarkshire, emailed: "Genuine football supporters will be hoping that it's a Celtic v Falkirk or Inverness final for the sake of Scottish football's reputation across the world. Everyone wants to enjoy a final where families can mix and have a great day out without having to listen to the non-stop racist anti-Irish sectarian singing which shames Scotland worldwide. Even the majority of decent Rangers supporters are sick of listening to such bile week in and week out."

Eddie Easson, Ballingry, emailed: "Celtic meeting Rangers in the semi-final was the best draw for Scottish football. It means a much needed financial boost for Falkirk or Inverness in the final. It also shows just how bad the rest of the Premier League teams are."

Bud Hay, Dumfries, said: "I hope Rangers play like they did against Raith Rovers when we meet them again. If they're not getting penalties or men sent off against them and the opposition scoring own goals they struggle. Bring it on."

John Robb, Kirkcaldy, said: "Surely something far wrong with Scottish football when an Inverness team which was knocked out of the Scottish Cup by Queens Park can still actually win it. It is so amateur."

Andrew Lamb, Fraserburgh, said: "I'd like to defend both Stewart Robertson and Ross Wilson for their role in the contract situations with Ryan Kent and Alfredo Morelos. The decision to turn down huge bids for both players was entirely down to Steven Gerrard."

Alan Heggie, Grangemouth, said: "I'd just like to say, great result for Falkirk. There's no need for revenge against Inverness, let’s just enjoy the day out and hopefully in the sunshine after too many years in the doldrums."

Joe Graham, Garrowhill, said "What a magnificent result for Falkirk beating Ayr United in the quarter-final of the Scottish Cup. If they see off Inverness in the semi-final, they can meet Rangers again like they did in the 2009 Scottish Cup Final. They lost 1-0 on that occasion. I don’t see them doing any better in this second time around final. Rangers, the holders, are not going to give this trophy away to anyone, no matter who they meet."

Stuart McLeod, Stepps, said: "You've got to feel sorry for Scott McDonald. I had read before he was not properly accepted into the Celtic dressing room after his exploits on Helicopter Sunday. It is indicative of how self righteous that dressing room felt at the time."

Jim McClean, Rothesay, emailed: "The current Kilmarnock team is dire, no fight, no guts no nothing and the worst in my 65 years of supporting them. Sacking Derek McInnes is not the answer at this time of the season even though it looks like he has lost the dressing room.

"I am afraid we are going down and won’t be back up for a few seasons and I'm disgusted and disappointed with the whole setup."

William Masson, Aboyne, said: "I’ve no problem with Craig Levein suggesting he'd happily drive the Old Firm down to England but I don’t agree with them sending money back. If it ever happened it would have to be a clean break. Scottish football would need to raise its own revenues and find its own level."

George Kenny emailed: "Sorry Craig, but the big issue with Rangers or Celtic going to EPL is their fans as they wouldn’t put up with the vile behaviour and bigotry they take everywhere with them."

Jimmy Murray, Edinburgh, emailed: "Is it not about time Andy Halliday was in the Celtic Hall of Fame? Every time he's played for Rangers and for Hearts against them he has been Celtic's Man of the Match. I think he has done more than enough to earn his place."