Sydney Super Cup organisers hit back as Rangers pull out of Celtic friendly

Organisers of the Sydney Super Cup have hit back at Rangers following the Ibrox club’s withdrawal from the tournament.

Australian based firms TEG Sport and Left Field Live, who are jointly hosting the event, said the news left them “disappointed” and insisted they have “acted in good faith”.

The Premiership champions revealed on Thursday that they would no longer be taking part in the mid-season competition that also includes Glasgow rivals Celtic.

Rangers claimed the organisers, Australian based TEG Sport and Left Field Live, were “unwilling to fulfil their commitments”.

STV understands that use of the term “Old Firm” was one of the contentious issues for the club.

A statement read: “Rangers can confirm the club will not be participating in the Sydney Super Cup in November 2022.

“After it became clear the tournament organisers were unwilling to fulfil their commitments to Rangers, we have, with immediate effect, terminated the club’s agreement with the organisers.”

But on Friday morning TEG Sport and Left Field Live released a joint statement saying they are “disappointed” with the news and accused Rangers of letting down “many, many fans”.

They also denied claims that they were unwilling to fulfil commitments and instead claimed the decision from Rangers was made “in response to negative fan reaction”.

The statement said: “We were disappointed to wake up this morning to Rangers FC’s statement that it will not be participating in the Sydney Super Cup.

“The Rangers board committed to these matches following extensive negotiations over eight months. Seemingly in response to negative fan reaction, they have pulled out of their contracted commitment.

“We have worked closely with all stakeholders to bring this exciting event to Sydney, and we refute any suggestion that we were unwilling to fulfil our commitments to Rangers.

“We have acted in good faith and have put the event on sale with a great response from fans here.

“In changing their minds, the Rangers board has let down many, many fans in Australia and the Asian region. We will now consult with our stakeholders before determining our response.”

Rangers were due to play Celtic on Sunday, November 20, in what would have been the first ever Old Firm fixture played outside of Glasgow, four days after kicking off the tournament against Western Sydney Wanderers.

Celtic are due to play Sydney FC on Thursday, November 17.

The Sydney Super Cup will be played mid-season and domestic leagues pause for the 2022 Qatar World Cup which will be played throughout November and December.

Rangers host Celtic at Ibrox on Sunday in the third Premiership clash between the leagues top two teams this season.