Controversial plans to take the Old Firm derby Down Under are in danger of collapsing with Rangers considering a humiliating U-turn in the face of a furious backlash from their own supporters.
Record Sport understands Ibrox top brass have been considering aborting the big money Australian trip after the club’s fans reacted with fury to the plan.
Sources in Australia are adamant Rangers will be clobbered with a massive seven figure penalty if they do plunge the four team tournament into disarray.
Several directors faced a barrage of abuse from furious fans at Dens Park before and after their club’s Scottish Cup quarter final win over Dundee in the latest of a series of bad tempered protests.
And with militant fans groups’ locked in talks over how best to force their beleaguered board into a climb down, organisers of the Sydney Super Cup - who launched ticket sales earlier this week - are concerned that Scotland’s champions may be looking for a way out.
Celtic have packaged the winter tour as an emotional homecoming for manager Ange Postecoglou and the Parkhead club remain fully committed to participating regardless of whether or not their city rivals take part.
But - with plenty of time for a replacement to be secured - the Ibrox club may believe there is a legal loophole which can be exploited to allow them to withdraw without being hit in the pocket.
Fans of both clubs have protested against the historic event ever since it was first announced on the other side of the planet in the middle of night.
Celtic confirmed their intentions to attend the following day while Rangers waited for another 24 hours before finally making an official announcement of their own and sparking outrage among the club’s supporters.
