‘No go’ – Charlie Nicholas slams Rangers and Celtic for Old Firm friendly plan
Charlie Nicholas has blasted Rangers and Celtic for their plans of an Old Firm friendly in Australia later this year, calling it a “no go” in his Scottish Express column.
The two clubs announced plans to participate in a tournament on the other side of the world in November, with both clubs expected to share an £8m windfall for being involved.
But after receiving lots of backlash for the planned game, Nicholas has now given his opinion too and says that the game would lose its prestige if it was played for money outside of Glasgow for the first time ever.
“Celtic v Rangers games are a super spectacle and it is a game that should always remain in Scotland,” he said. “It is the Glasgow derby and that is where it should remain.
“That is my opinion. If you take it to Sydney then it is no longer the Glasgow derby and I think it will lose some of its prestige. It wouldn’t be the same game.
“I don’t believe in it. I think it is wrong and I believe it should be pulled.
“I know people will say a lot of the English Premier League clubs pay big-money friendlies abroad. I know that but they are picking up multi-million pound deals.
“Yes, Celtic and Rangers are getting paid handsomely but Celtic went to Dublin for games and Rangers will probably do something similar as they build their own reputation up.
“I know it would be great for Ange Postecoglou going back to Australia. It will be great for him. I get that but it is not for me.
“I am pretty sure Celtic could find decent opposition in Australia without having to play Rangers and vice versa. So, for me, it should be a no go.”
Call it off
At this point it’s just stubbornness stopping the board from pulling out of this game and it’s going to cost them more than just money the longer it take for them to do it.
The fans of both sets of clubs don’t want anything to do with it and while the money being brought in will benefit the clubs and the Scottish game as a whole, there are some things that should just be left alone.
There are plenty of other clubs and teams that can be called upon to play against one another and make money, and the clubs aren’t exactly in a financial position where they’re in trouble.
It may be something to look back on in the future, because from a business sense there is obviously an opportunity there, but it’s caused far too much fuss to now really go ahead.
Nicholas has joined a long list of club legends from either side to be against it and along with the fans, the pressure will eventually prove too much, so the sooner it gets cancelled the better.
In other Rangers news, ‘Jeez’ – John Hartson destroys Rangers player after major view: ‘Do me a favour’