Rangers fury as Benfica pull the plug on Canadian friendly

RANGERS were last night angered by the cancellation of their international break friendly match against Benfica in Canada.

Pedro Caixinha’s side were set to jet out on Tuesday to contest the Friday night Eusebio Cup contest against the Portuguese champions.

However, Benfica, who lost 5-0 to FC Basle in the Champions League last week, have pulled out of the trip.

Rangers only learned of the decision yesterday evening and are awaiting an explanation before potentially exploring any legal avenues.

‘The organisers, Elite Soccer Entertainment, have apologised but Rangers will be expressing their displeasure on behalf of themselves and their supporters in the strongest possible terms,’ read a statement on the Ibrox club’s official website last night.

‘Rangers also wish to apologise to those fans who had made arrangements to travel and those in Canada who were looking forward to the match. Rangers will take legal advice before commenting further.’

The game had been scheduled for Tim Hortons Field in Hamilton, Ontario, with the trip considered helpful to Caixinha’s attempts to gel his new squad together.

It is understood Rangers have no intention of sticking to the travel plans, so will not press on with a North American training camp. Kenny Miller had been left out of the party, following his axing from the squad by Caixinha.

But with Rangers no longer flying away from Glasgow and this domestic issue for five days, there is likely to be more urgency given to addressing the bust-up between the manager and his most senior player.