The Sydney Super Cup is in jeopardy after Rangers pulled out of the planned four-team friendly tournament.Credit:Getty
In a statement released overnight,the club accused tournament organisers of being “unwilling to fulfil their commitments to Rangers” and said they’d terminated their agreement to play in the Sydney Super Cup with immediate effect. According to Sky Sports News,those commitments involved the non-use of the term ‘Old Firm’ in official communications,which Celtic avoids in deference to parts of their fanbase who believe the ‘Old Firm’ ceased to exist when Rangers went bust in 2012.
But TEG and Left Field Live,the co-promoters of the event,have returned serve,accusing Rangers of bowing to fan pressure and letting down their Australian-based supporters,and rejecting any claim they had gone back on their commitments to the club.
“We were disappointed to wake up this morning to Rangers FC’s statement that it will not be participating in the Sydney Super Cup,” the promoters said in a statement.
“The Rangers Board committed to these matches following extensive negotiations over eight months. Seemingly in response to negative fan reaction,they have pulled out of their contracted commitment.
“We have worked closely with all stakeholders to bring this exciting event to Sydney,and we refute any suggestion that we were unwilling to fulfill our commitments to Rangers. We have acted in good faith and have put the event on sale with a great response from fans here.
“In changing their minds,the Rangers Board has let down many,many fans in Australia and the Asian region. We will now consult with our stakeholders before determining our response.”