Doubts Over Barcelona Friendly

(Written by TactfulSheik)

Dundee United might miss out on the chance of playing Barcelona in a glamour friendly at Tannadice in the summer, because the Spanish club are demanding too much money.

There are rumours that want a large appearance fee for the match, with no guarantee that any of their top players will play.

Supporters of Dundee United have been drooling at the prospect of seeing players like Ronaldinho, Eto'o, Messi and Deco playing at Tannadice, ever since the news of a possible pre-season friendly was announced last week.

However, jealous fans of other Scottish clubs have been calling for their own teams to throw their hats into the ring - with Hearts, Celtic and Rangers supporters all asking why their sides haven't been trying to organise a friendly against the Catalan team.

Dundee United have a great history against Barcelona, beating them on all 4 occasions that they've played them in the Fairs and UEFA Cup competitions.

The Daily Record announced they were considering a pre-season tour of Scotland at the end of July, with both Dundee United and Hibs negotiating friendly matches against them.

Although, if either match does go ahead, it would likely be an exhibition match, with no tackling allowed.....just a chance for the Barcelona players to show-off, or show-up the Dundee United and Hibs players?

Would supporters be willing to pay upto £25 or £30 a ticket to see Barcelona play a friendly match at Tannadice under those circumstances?

There could be a financial bonus for Dundee United if they did manager to get Barca to play the match, because they could be financially rewarded if the TV stations were interested in showing the game and it could be televised all over the world?

Ironically, the news comes on the 20th anniversary of Dundee United beating Barcelona in the quarter-finals of the UEFA Cup.

On the 18th of March it will be 20-years to the day when goals from John Clark and Iain Ferguson gave United a 2-1 win at the Nou Camp (3-1 on aggregate).

During the same 1986/87 UEFA Cup campaign, United reached the final of the competition, only to lose 2-1 on aggregate to IFK Gothenburg.

However, the clubs supporters were rewarded with the Fifa Fair Play award after their amazing display of sportsmanship - applauding the IFK players after they lifted the trophy after the 2nd leg at Tannadice.

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