BBC’s Tom English turns Celtic revenue argument on Rangers after draws with Aberdeen and Motherwell
Tom English highlighted the gulf in revenue between Rangers and Aberdeen after the two sides drew at Pittodrie on Sunday.
The BBC Sport journalist reacted via Twitter after James Tavernier rescued a late point from the penalty spot on 26 November, to point out the Gers’ recently released accounts showed the club’s revenue is around six times higher than the Dons.
Philippe Clement’s first dropped points in the SPFL saw his side fail to capitalise on Celtic’s draw with Motherwell a day earlier, after which English had also focused on the Hoops having a revenue roughly 22 times greater than their opponents.
English wrote: “Part II. Also fair to point out that Rangers revenues in their most recent accounts are about 6 times those of Aberdeen, who got a 1-1 draw at Pittodrie today.”
Following Celtic’s draw at home to Motherwell he had said: “No doubt there will be more mentions of the financial gulf in the Champions League next week. Fair comment.
“Also fair to point out that Celtic’s revenues in their very impressive most recent accounts are about 22 times those of Motherwell, who got a 1-1 draw in Glasgow today.”
Chance goes begging
Clement’s first failure to win a league game as Rangers boss won’t have done anything to disprove either side of the argument over whether the Dons turn it on when the Light Blues visit.
Barry Robson’s side were much improved from the 6-0 hammering at Celtic Park before the international break, but the Gers were also well below the standard required.
It took another late intervention from the spot by the captain to prevent a defeat which would have halted momentum to an even greater extent, much as he had at home to Hearts on 29 October.
So the gap at the top of the table remains at eight points with a game in hand after an afternoon which will have left manager and supporters alike filled with frustration.
The revenue gap point is relevant, even if the gulf is a fraction of that between Celtic and Motherwell, since it plays into the fact that regardless of the Dandies’ apparent motivation to beat Rangers above anyone else the Bears should still be dealing with the challenge.
Clement hasn’t had many set backs so far as Ibrox boss but this was a major opportunity missed and could have been much worse, so he will need to ensure a positive reaction.
In other Rangers news, the club have been strongly backed to sign a “quality” ace in January.