‘Massive’ – Ibrox Exclusive: Bruce reacts to fresh Rangers ‘kick in the teeth’ after UEFA report
We’re delighted to welcome former Scottish Premiership defender Alex Bruce as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Rangers…
Alex Bruce has claimed that it would be a “big kick in the teeth” for Rangers if this year’s Europa League is scrapped entirely.
Speaking exclusively to Ibrox News, the former Kilmarnock defender suggested that the potential morale boost a continental would offer the Gers could be a vital boost for Steven Gerrard’s men.
The Mirror report that UEFA are currently considering a plan to complete this season’s competition, along with the Champions League, during a three week block in August.
But a previous suggestion from UEFA chief Aleksander Ceferin painted a much bleaker picture, claiming that the entire tournament could be scrapped depending on how the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic pans out.
And Bruce believes that the Gers would be disappointed by that outcome.
When asked during an interview with Ibrox News if cancelling the Europa League would be a blow to Rangers, he said: “100%, because obviously it would have given the supporters and the club a lift if they’d gone on and done very well in that competition.
“A lot of Rangers fans still talk about the final they got to a few years ago.
“A cup competition can give the fans a massive lift, in terms of finances as well.
“If it is scrapped, it would be a big kick in the teeth for those involved, but, unfortunately, the way the world is at the moment, it wouldn’t surprise me.”
The Gers are currently in the round of 16, where they have been drawn against Bayer Leverkusen.
Having played the first leg at Ibrox prior to the lockdown, Gerrard’s men find themselves with a 3-1 deficit to overcome in Germany if and when the return fixture is played.
In other Rangers news, Ibrox View: Ally McCoist is bang on, something ‘absolutely stinks’ at Gers right now.