Rangers scraping the barrel for ‘excuses’ after major Ibrox twist – pundit
Noel Whelan has suggested Rangers would have used any “excuse” to pull out of the Sydney Super Cup after the backlash from fans.
The former Aberdeen striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted Ibrox chiefs will have realised they made a mistake in hindsight.
The Athletic report the Gers terminated their agreement after citing breaches in the contract, which included failing to recognise the Old Firm brand in all branding
Rangers confirmed on Thursday (31 March) that they have withdrawn from the friendly competition scheduled for November in Australia, stating organisers were “unwilling to fulfil their commitments”.
The Ibrox faithful had protested the club’s involvement, with a friendly against Celtic scheduled.
Whelan insisted the Glasgow giants would have used any excuse to keep fans happy.
Asked if Rangers had scraped the barrel to find a way out of the friendly tournament, Whelan told Football Insider’s Russell Edge: “Yeah. I think you probably would do as well.
“You would after the hoo-ha that’s been kicked up by the fans as well and the disharmony about it. I think sometimes you look back in hindsight and you think: ‘Yeah, probably not the right decision.’
“Rangers themselves, as a football club, have realised that. They didn’t really care what excuse came up, they’d use it just to keep the fans happy.
“They’re in a great position this season, quarter-finals of the Europa League, only three points behind Celtic.
“That’s what it’s all about. This one’s now been put to bed. They can now concentrate and put their attention, 100 per cent, on trying to get the wins.”
Rangers supporters threw tennis balls and toilet roll onto the pitch in protest during the clash against Dundee.
In other news, pundit issues “sensational” Rangers star quit claim.