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Rangers board gave in to the mob over Sydney Super Cup shambles and it's squeaky bum time at Ibrox - Hotline

Rangers and Celtic might no longer be going ahead to head Down Under.

But they will collide in Govan at Sunday lunch time and all eyes will be on Ibrox.

The Scottish Premiership champions dramatically pulled out of the controversial Sydney Super Cup.

That news has been welcomed by Rangers fans who protested against their participation in the four-team friendly competition alongside their rivals.

And it comes as the two prepare for a huge showdown on the south side of Glasgow that could go a long way to determining the destination of this season’s trophy.

It’s strange that two clubs separated by just six miles are in the news for a game not taking place 10,000 miles away.

Rangers cited the organisers being "unwilling to fulfil their commitments” as a main reason but some on the Hotline are sceptical.

Glen Kamara and Liel Abada in action as Rangers face Celtic (SNS Group)

Arrin Geddes, Irvine, said: “The current Rangers board trying to make excuses for not playing in Australia is an embarrassment.

“Why not just tell the truth that, after fan protests, they’ve decided against it and pay whatever is due. After all, they signed up for it.”

Eddie Easson, Ballingry, said: “As expected Rangers have pulled out of the Australia trip and now the recriminations will begin.

“Another visit to the courtroom looks on the cards. They have given in to the mob, the same mob who were having a field day last season when a faction of the Celtic support were baying for blood with their demonstrations.

“The difference being Celtic have a majority shareholder and board who refused to give into mob rule.”

Rangers fans were against the move and Alfie Mullin, London, said: “It's great to see that common sense has prevailed and Rangers have pulled out of the Sydney Super Cup.

Rangers Alfredo Morelos could miss the clash with Celtic (SNS Group)

“We can now look at alternatives and the rift between the board and the fans can be closed.”

Gary Stevenson, Newtonhill, said: “Surely now that Rangers have withdrawn from the ill-fated Sydney Super Cup they can now attract three top quality sides to Scotland for meaningful matches.

“We could even attract bigger teams than Western Sydney Wanderers and Sydney FC.”

Gers fans group Club 1872 challenged the Ibrox board over the Aussie trip and Paul McCormack, Coatbridge, said: “Fallouts between a fans group and the board, withdrawing from the Sydney Super Cup with no penalty clauses (if you believe that… Rangers and no penalties doesn’t happen) then it’s squeaky bum time at Ibrox before Sunday.”

There is a question mark over Alfredo Morelos ahead of Sunday’s clash after he was sent home by Colombia due to injury.

And Robert Livingstone, Palm Beach, said: “A serious question should be asked as to why Rangers medical staff allowed an injured player to travel halfway around the world, even if he was adamant he wanted to go.”

Andrew Lamb, Fraserburgh, said: “Rangers shouldn't worry about the loss of Alfredo Morelos as they have more than enough to see off a vastly overrated Celtic team who are no more than ordinary.”

George Wilson, West Sussex, said: “Rangers’ chances of winning on Sunday have been greatly increased by the probable absence of Alfredo Morelos as, according Celtic fans on the Hotline, he can’t score against them - or at least not when there are fans in the ground, or sun, or raining, or on a Sunday…

“So this means that whoever plays in his place then it will be like having an extra player on the pitch as Morelos is apparently useless.

“I agree if Rangers lose on Sunday it’s probably over but Rangers only have to keep winning and we are champions again, especially if the useless Morelos isn’t playing.”

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