Rangers told the ‘money is right’ after £2m+ details emerge in last 24 hours – Agbonlahor
Rangers are not being forced into playing Celtic in Australia and fans should accept the commercial benefits make the trip worthwhile.
That is the view of ex-Aston Villa and England attacker Gabby Agbonlahor, speaking exclusively to Football Insider about the controversial mid-season friendly tournament scheduled for later this year.
The two clubs announced plans to take part in the Sydney Super Cup alongside Australian sides Sydney FC and Western Sydney Wanderers.
Australian outlet Roar reported last Thursday (3 March) Celtic are set to net AU$11million (£6.1million) from Ange Postecoglou’s homecoming while their Glasgow rivals will make less than half of that – AU$5million (£2.8million).
A Rangers spokesperson hit back yesterday (9 March), via the Scotsman, to refute that report and insist both clubs would receive the same fee.
“If Rangers don’t want to play the game, they don’t have to,” Agbonlahor told Football Insider correspondent Connor Whitley.
“They are not being forced to play the game. If they’re agreeing to this then they are happy and want to.
“You can’t force Rangers to go and play an Old Firm game in Australia. They think the money is right so they are going to do it.
“If it’s making money it makes sense. They can use that on things that are needed at the club.
“It’s definitely the commercial benefits that it brings, that’s why Rangers have accepted. There’s no other reason for them to go so far away and play a game in Australia.
“The money must be right for Rangers to agree to do it.”
In other news, an ex-Fifa official has fired a stark warning to Rangers and Celtic over confirmed plans after the latest twist last week.