Rangers players and supporters alike were desperate for the 2024-25 campaign to come to an end.
A dismal domestic campaign officially concluded with a 2-2 draw against Hibernian last Saturday (17 May).
Rangers finished 17 points behind Celtic – not that fans need reminding – while also failing to pick up silverware in the two domestic cup competitions.
A run to the quarter-finals of the Europa League, the highlight being a two-legged win over Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce, did little to paper over the cracks.
While the campaign may now be over, the Gers did plan to stage one more fixture before heading off on their summer break.
Rangers cancel Australia friendly plans
Rangers planned to stage a money-spinning friendly against Greek giants Olympiacos in Australia, but those plans had to be shelved.
According to the Daily Record (12 May), the 10,000-mile trip was cancelled as a result of Rangers advancing in Europe.
The match Down Under would have been staged this week, which simply would not have been feasible had Rangers reached the Europa League final.
The trip may have been cancelled, but player-turned-pundit Derek Ferguson is not happy with the decision to have even considered it.
“It’s nonsense,” he exclusively told Ibrox News. “Look at it from the players’ point of view, or even the coaches – it’s been a long season.
“The players just wanted the season to end; the last thing they would have wanted is to play in Australia. I’m glad it’s not going to happen. Had it gone ahead, it would have been nonsense.”
Rangers previously cancelled Celtic friendly in Australia
This is not the first time Rangers have backed out of a money-spinning friendly in Australia, having also done so three years ago when they were due to face Celtic.
A £3million payday was supposedly on the line, but the Gers decided against it due to the backlash from supporters.
Rangers should be applauded for eyeing money-making matches, but travelling 10,000 miles to Australia is just not wise, especially on the back of what has been a dismal campaign.
‘It’s nonsense’ – Pundit hits out at fixture plan Rangers have now gone back on
