© The Fan Experience Company 2022
Celtic and Rangers confirm historic derby game in Australia
Celtic and Rangers will play an Old Firm derby outside Scotland for the first time at the Sydney Super Cup in Australia on 20 November.
After Celtic announced their participation on Tuesday, without naming the opposition, Rangers have now confirmed they too are involved.
Australian A-League clubs Sydney FC and Western Sydney Wanderers complete the line-up for the inaugural tournament.
It is to be held during the domestic break for the Qatar World Cup.
Rangers say they are “delighted” to accept an invitation and revealed they will face Western Sydney Wanderers on 16 November and Celtic four days later. Both matches will be staged at the 83,500-capacity Accor Stadium.
While both halves of the Old Firm have faced a backlash from fans over their involvement, Rangers' commercial and marketing director James Bisgrove outlined the "sizeable" financial rewards.
Bisgrove told Rangers TV the tournament will “benefit the club to the same level as an entire season in the SPFL Premiership”.
He added: “We have never had an offer of this level for two friendly games for an international tournament so it’s something the board have looked at and unanimously feel is a positive opportunity for Rangers.”
Celtic’s Australian manager Ange Postecoglou, meanwhile, is relishing a “special” homecoming.
“I know how big this club is back home,” he said. “For me to go back home as the manager of it, it’ll be emotional.
“There are a lot of guys I grew up with and shared a dressing room with who are diehard Celtic supporters. They are going to see their mate bringing their team Down Under.
“The people who love this football club in Australia, they’re all in. They’re going to be there at every game, at the airport, at every training session.
“Everywhere the players go, they’ll realise why this football club is so special and the reach it does have.”
The tournament will be played again in 2025, according to organisers.
‘It makes common sense commercially’ – analysis
Former Rangers manager Graeme Souness
Unfortunately, our world is not pure any more. It’s all about the money. In Scotland, we have to be aware of that. It makes common sense commercially to go down there. It’s all about getting people on board when they’re young.
It’s the Old Firm. It’s Rangers against Celtic, wherever it is there will be a full stadium and lots of passion involved. I get it for the commercial reasons. As a football man, it’s not ideal but I think we have to broaden our horizons. Money talks.
Original article published 02.03.2022 on the BBC Sport website
To view click here