The bitterness at Rangers cranked up another notch on Wednesday with Dave King entering the fray to offer to bail the club out of the Sydney Cup.
The former chairman wants to put an end to the divisive issue of the derby Down Under once and for all.
But he’d need to dig deep - covering the cost of pulling out from the Barbie Derby is put at £3million.
Not everyone is convinced by King’s motives either.
Eddie Easson, Ballingry, said: “Just when the dysfunctional board at Ibrox thought they had seen the back of Dave King, back he comes with a bang. Again it’s all the noises the fans want to hear, he loves stoking the flames of controversy with his offer of cash. In this world nothing is for nothing there will be strings attached. Thanks to the top of marble staircase dopes Rangers in the space of a week have gone from Euro heroes to organised chaos.”
Joe Smith, Coleraine, claimed: “Dave King’s statement is a whole load of nothing. He can't just give the club money there are rules in place. So just what is he playing at is anyone's guess but he is certainly not handing over £3million.”
Joe Graham, Garrowhill, said: “This fall out has been going on for some time now This is not only about the Sydney Cup involvement, but should have been kept private until the end of the season. The demonstration at Dundee with the loo rolls and tennis balls was totally wrong as it was unfair for the players and coaching team who are trying to stay in the race in three tournaments.
"You could see In Gio van Bronckhorst ’s face how disturbed and worried he was. He is Rangers new boss and doing a tremendous job. It was way out of order and their stupid actions could’ve cost the team points. It is going to be some month ahead for Rangers and need the right support while going for their treble.”
Sticking with the Sydney Super and Hotline wind-up merchant Gordon Ashley’s claims that Rangers would be the support act Down Under and, just like at Glastonbury, would be paid less than the headliners sparked a backlash.
David Speirs, Coalhall , said: “Quite a statement from Gordon Ashley. If what he says is true at least they’ll get to use their disco lights. I think the coefficient tells you who the headline act really is.”
Gary Stevenson, Newtonhill, added: “Now that Celtic have been knocked out of Europe, Ashley considers Glastonbury to be a big event! Perhaps he should enrol to join the circus. He would be a headline act as I hear that Billy Smart is short of a clown.”
And Ian McKendrick emailed: “Can you ask Mr Ashley; is that why Rangers get the big cash cheques in Europe?”
A bit of sarcasm and slapstick to lighten the mood anyone?
Ciaran Mallon, Belfast, said: “Not sure why all these Rangers supporters are so against their team playing in the Sydney Cup. I would have thought they’d relish the opportunity to win a cup given that it’s been like forever since they last won one. After all beggars can’t be choosers.”
And Kevin Kean, Inchinnan, said: “There must be something glaringly obvious I'm missing. What is the objection to a game 10,000 miles away, if its 4-4 or 5-0 to either it would mean absolutely nothing going forward. It could be a laugh, get Celtic to play in royal blue and Rangers in the Hoops.”
Okay Kevin, good luck with that idea.
Finally, on a serious note, and a statement I think we can all get behind after Russia’s outrageous attempt to bid for the 2028 European Championships..
Gordon Ferguson, Kilwinning, said: “Incredible. Ludicrous. Words fail me. How Russia can even put themselves forward for a major football tournament is beyond belief. Let’s hope UEFA kick it out - their country is the shame of Europe. Football should show its contempt of their regime.”
