Simon Jordan and Martin Keown clash live on talkSPORT as Rangers financial move mooted
By Ben Brown
Martin Keown and Simon Jordan had an on-air spat over Rangers’ decision to pull the plug on their Sydney Cup participation.
The Gers were due to face Old Firm rivals Celtic in November for the friendly tournament in Australia but have since changed their mind after they said “tournament organisers were unwilling to fulfil their commitments”.
In a bizarre exchange, Keown appears to criticise how the commercial income from the tournament may have unfairly affected the other clubs in the Scottish Premiership but later argues as to why such a coveted fixture can’t be played across the globe.
“A deal should have been done there to protect the other teams,” said Keown on talkSPORT on Friday morning [1 April, 10:53am]. “They’re taking their brand, Celtic and Rangers, to go and play on the other side of the world and I feel for the [SPFL] to allow them to do that there should be money paid to the Premiership.
“Jim [White], you tell me it’s the best fixture you’ve ever been to in your life why can’t we share that around the world?”
Jordan blasted the idea, stating “It’s got nothing to do with the [SPFL]. Don’t be silly, Martin. Why would Arsenal go and play in a tournament to benefit Burnley?
“You’re not sharing it you’re taking it and turning it into a friendly. It’s not an Old Firm game and it’s being badged up as one.
“If Rangers don’t think it’s important why’s it so important to you?”
Money Talks?
Whilst the debate between the pair descended into a bit of a slanging match, both bring up credible points for each side of the argument.
Bringing such an iconic fixture to different venues across the world would undoubtedly hold substantial financial value for both clubs, allowing them to build significantly on fanbases away from their Scottish homeland.
However it could be said that it would simultaneously devalue the spectacle of the fixture, with a friendly setting and no real stakes on the line taking away the fiery passion which is always currently present when the two sides face off.
The pair have one such clash in two days’ time at Ibrox in a game that could decide whose hands will be lifting the Scottish Premiership crown.
Rangers for now at least seem to have aired on the side of caution, but with interest in their exploits only rising following their recent Europa League success the opportunities for brand growth may soon become too much to resist.
In other Rangers news, Jim White reacted after Neil Lennon made a swipe at the Gers on talkSPORT.