Ex-Rangers star Nathan Patterson nets in a penalty shoot-out for Everton as they down Celtic in the controversial Sydney Super Cup.
The Gers were initially supposed to be facing off against their great rivals at the tournament Down Under as the first-ever Old Firm outside of Scotland was proposed in the Southern Hemisphere.
But after Celtic announced the tournament early – the suspicious motivations for which remain a source of great discomfort – Rangers fans revolted and lamented the Ibrox Board for apparently signing a deal with the Devil.
Celtic also positioned the tournament as some kind of Ange Postecoglou homecoming, something which probably proved their downfall, with Rangers eventually finding a way to escape from the tournament.
But not before club shareholders Club 1872 took aim at the Board and Rangers fan trust in those running the club hit an all-time low.
Ex-Ger Patterson nets penalty as Everton beat Celtic in Sydney Super Cup
The fact Rangers weren’t in attendance clearly hit the Sydney Super Cup hard as low attendances were accompanied by a damp squib of a tournament which has passed by with barely a whimper.
Celtic lost the opener 2-1 to Sydney FC before Everton, the Premier League side signed up to replace Rangers, beat the Parkhead side on penalties after a 0-0 draw.
On the pitch for Everton in the match was ex-Rangers star Nathan Patterson, who was praised after the game by Toffees boss Frank Lampard for demanding the opportunity to hit the spot kick before scoring it.
“He was with his Rangers links. I was more than happy for him to take it,” said Lampard.
“I like lads who stand up. Patts has got some character. He is a good lad and nicely competitive.
“Patts was really good for us at the start of the season. Then he got an injury while playing with Scotland and since he has come back in, he has still been finding his feet to get back to those levels but as a young player that is normal.
“He needs to push on now. I thought he did well with bits today but there were a couple of bits that he could be cleaner on, but he is a really good player for us.”
Everton paid an initial £12m rising to £16m to sign Nathan Patterson from Rangers in January 2022 and the right-back has gone on to make 13 appearances for the club’s top team.
Meanwhile, Rangers star links to a pair of Middle Eastern billionaire-backed clubs have resurfaced online.
