Australian media has been reacting to news that Rangers and Celtic will head Down Under for the Sydney Super Cup.
The clubs will fly out for the special mini-tournament where they will meet Sydney FC and Western Sydney Wanderers in a tournament that has been billed as a homecoming for Ange Postecoglou.
But the reaction hasn't all been positive with fans of both clubs taking exception - while exclusion of a major Southwest Sydney club has raised a few eyebrows.
Read more: Ryan Christie opens up on Neil Lennon 'revolt' amid horror Celtic season
The Ibrox side issued a statement on Wednesday saying it was "delighted" to face Celtic in Australia, but it seems there isn't much appetite for it among fans of both clubs with both reacting furiously to the news - feeling a rivalry so fierce should never be contested in a friendly, reports the Daily Record.
(Image: Getty Images)
One fan even took exception to the use of the "Old Firm" moniker. Journalist Vince Rugari noted a bizarre comparison to the Russian misinformation campaign in his emails.
He tweeted: "Just had a lovely email equating the use of 'Old Firm' to Russian propaganda/'fake news' with regards to Ukraine. So safe to say I'm really looking forward to this tournament."
But he also noted in an article for the Sydney Morning Herald that the tournament is a huge deal for the city.
"The prospect of an Old Firm derby in Sydney is certain to lead to a near-sellout crowd at Accor Stadium, while the games will be valuable for all four teams involved as they look to rebuild match fitness ahead of the resumption of domestic seasons in Scotland and Australia."
However the Australian reaction hasn't all been positive with Macarthur FC's exclusion raising questions.
The Southwestern Sydney club are currently third in the A-League ahead of both of their city rivals.
ESPN Australia's Joel Lynch wrote: "The Sydney Super Cup. No teams from southwest Sydney allowed, apparently."
Assuming both managers are still in place by then, the mini-tournament will see Postecoglou reunited with his old pal Steve Corica, currently in charge of Sydney FC.
The two last met in the AFC Champions League in 2020, with Postecoglou's Yokohama F.Marinos running out 5-1 aggregate winners, and they will go head to head again here.
And Minister for Western Sydney Stuart Ayres says Rangers and Celtic will get the red carpet treatment as they get set for a "blockbuster" event.
He also confirmed it would be an annual tournament - though it's unclear if the Premiership clubs will be back.
He said in the announcement: “Sydney has kicked another goal as Australia’s home of football with the world’s best clubs coming out to play our hometown heroes in the Sydney Super Cup.
"What better way to start than with a historic rivalry like the Celtic vs Rangers derby.
“The benefits for our city and state will be huge, as we look to bring visitors back to Sydney by creating a regular blockbuster bi-annual event that will showcase our city, our local teams and our world-class stadiums to the rest of world."
Read more: Larne tapping into the insight and experience of former Premier League manager Iain Dowie
Read more: Larne skipper good enough to play in his bedroom slippers, says Tiernan Lynch
Sign up to our free sports newsletter to get the latest headlines to your inbox.
