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Rangers and Sunderland fans react as Jermain Defoe watches former team

Sunderland fans during the Checkatrade Trophy Final between Sunderland AFC and Portsmouth FC at Wembley Stadium on March 31, 2019 in London, Englan...
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Jermain Defoe was back at Sunderland on Tuesday night – but Rangers won’t let him return to the Stadium of Light any time soon.

20th January 2019, Ibrox Stadium, Glasgow, Scotland; Mid season football friendly, Rangers v Helsinki; Jermiane Defoe of Rangers shoots on goal

Jermain Defoe was spotted in the stands as Sunderland welcomed Burton Albion to the Stadium of Light on Wednesday.

But Jack Ross’s side really could’ve done with the Wearside legend on the pitch rather than watching on from above as they were held to a frustrating 1-1 draw by the Brewers, a result which leaves their hopes of automatic promotion from League One hanging in the balance.

Defoe was one of the few success stories of a dismal era in Sunderland’s recent history, scoring 30 goals in his two full Premier League campaigns despite the club’s humiliating and inevitable relegation in 2016.

Jermain Defoe of Sunderland scores during the Barclays Premier League match between Sunderland and Chelsea at The Stadium of Light on May 7, 2016 in Sunderland, England.

And though things are looking up at last, The Black Cats haven’t had a player with Defoe’s quality or humility since.

These days, he is on loan at Rangers from Bournemouth and proving that there is plenty of clinical finishes left in the wily old dog, netting six times already under his former England team-mate Steven Gerrard at Ibrox.

No wonder then that Sunderland are dreaming of his return – or that Rangers fans have been quick to mock their wishes.

Jermain Defoe of Rangers is congratulated by James Tavernier after he scores the fourth goal during the Ladbrokes Scottish Premier League match between Rangers and Dundee at Ibrox Stadium...