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Daily Record
Daily Record
Sport
Mark Pirie

Barry Ferguson names lesson Rangers board must learn from Sydney Super Cup snub as he pinpoints the only losers

Rangers legend Barry Ferguson reckons the board will know to gauge fan opinion before a repeat of the Sydney Super Cup climbdown.

After a furious reaction from supporters, vocal protests and a public row with fan group Club 1872 the club performed a U-turn on the Oz clash with Celtic.

Organisers have been left angered by the decision but Ferguson reckons it will ease the mounting pressure from the terraces ahead of the crucial derby clash on Sunday.

However, he reckons the Ibrox hierarchy must consult fan groups before big decisions like taking the Old Firm rivalry on the road.

The former Rangers skipper is convinced the club will end up touring overseas soon, but feels major sympathy for the fans who will not see their heroes compete in November.

Ferguson told the Go Radio Football Show: "I'm not surprised with what has gone before the international break, in terms of the demonstrations. It's not healthy, that.

"I wanted both the Rangers fans and the board to sit round the table and sort it out as quickly as possible.

"So, they have made a decision. Listen, that is good for Sunday, there won't be any demonstrations, everyone will be supporting the team and that's the way it should be.

"I feel sorry for the fans over in Australia who never get to see their team, I understand that. I understand Rangers' point of view, obviously it's a lot of money to lose out on. And I understand the fans are frustrated with not being told.

Celtic Captain Callum McGregor and Rangers' Scott Arfield battle for possession (SNS Group)

"I'm just glad they've made a decision now and that's it over. I hope in the future when Rangers can go and play these games, that they sit round the table and everybody knows what is happening going forward.

"It's not healthy when there is bickering going on, and people are not happy. I'm just glad they can focus on what is happening on the football pitch.

"The last thing you want is board bickering with fans, (and) releasing statements.

"I think there are opportunities for Rangers and Celtic to go to Australia, America, and the Middle East because the fan bases over there are huge."

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