Rangers boss Giovanni van Bronckhorst embraces 'positive' outcome from Sydney Super Cup decision

Rangers manager Giovanni van Bronckhorst has welcomed his club’s withdrawal from the contentious proposed friendly against Celtic later this year.

The decision to face their Old Firm rivals in the Sydney Super Cup tournament in November prompted a furious reaction from Rangers supporters and several protests which culminated in play being delayed three times during the Premiership game against Dundee at Dens Park two weeks ago as toilet rolls and tennis balls were thrown onto the pitch.

Rangers this week announced they were pulling out of the trip, stating that the tournament organisers were ‘unwilling to fulfil their commitments’ to the Scottish champions.

Van Bronckhorst says Rangers will now arrange another friendly during the mid-season break for the World Cup Finals and is looking forward to the full backing of a placated and unified support at Ibrox for Sunday’s crucial league game against Celtic.

Rangers manager Giovanni van Bronckhorst is looking forward to the club's fans supporting them 'with everything they have' in Sunday's Old Firm clash at Ibrox. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

“We always concentrate on our football, I don’t call it a distraction because the fans were not happy with the game (in Sydney),” he said.

“Now the game will not go on in November so it’s very positive for everyone involved in the club that there are no protests anymore from the fans.

“We will look into another game to be played in November against another opponent.

“Obviously on Sunday everyone inside the stadium will be supporting Rangers with the same objective and that’s to win the game.

“Our fans are incredible fans, everywhere we go and especially at Ibrox, they support us with everything they have and there will be no difference (on Sunday).”

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