The Old Firm duo will not be joining the English leagues after the potential move was ruled out yesterday.
Rangers and Celtic will not be allowed into the English pyramid
The headline from yesterday’s EFL’s announcement regarding the ‘Whole Game Solution’ was that Premier League ‘B’ teams were no longer being considered for the lower tiers, but there was also some interesting news in there for fans of Scottish football. The statement made clear that “clubs from non-English leagues” would not be included in any future plans, therefore ruling out the possibility of Celtic or Rangers playing any part.
The debate about the Old Firm clubs entering the English pyramid has been rumbling on for years, but the latest statement means that the discussion will be put to bed for the foreseeable future.
Celtic’s Scott Sinclair in action with Rangers’ Wes Foderingham
When the move was last discussed, both Celtic and Rangers were far stronger teams than they are today. Both reached European finals in the last decade, but since then Rangers have had to completely rebuild and Celtic now regularly lose their star men to mid-table English sides.
There was a mixture of reaction on Twitter, with fans from north and south of the border having their say. Some supporters were relieved with the news, but others wondered if Celtic had missed out on a potentially large cash injection which they may have been entitled to through joining the Premier League.
Rangers manager Mark Warburton and Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers
Rangers’ James Tavernier fouls Celtic’s Patrick Roberts
There were also varying responses from supporters of English clubs, with most relieved at the status quo being maintained but others disappointed that their clubs wouldn’t be facing the prestigious Scottish giants.
There were also those who pointed out that there was a slight contradiction in the EFL not allowing non-English teams into the competition.
If you’re a fan of one of the Old Firm duo, let us know your thoughts below.
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