Ally McCoist has urged UEFA not to take action against Rangers for playing the national anthem at Ibrox - insisting dishing out a punishment would be "embarrassing".
European football bosses rejected a request from some British clubs to permit singing the anthem ahead of kick-off in this week's Champions League ties to honour the passing of Queen Elizabeth. But Rangers later announced they would hold the tribute anyway before their group stage defeat to Napoli.
The anthem was played following a minute's silence and was accompanied by a Union Jack tifo featuring the Queen's silhouette which covered the entire Broomloan Stand. Ibrox legend McCoist was baffled by UEFA's refusal and believes it would reflect badly on them if they were to reprimand Rangers for ignoring their ruling. He said on talkSPORT: "If that's breaking the rules, I would actively encourage it. It was fantastic.
"It wasn't even good, it wasn't even brilliant, what a show of unity for the country - it was amazing. The Rangers supporters, a group of lads called the Union Bears, put on a Union Jack, honestly...
"I've got to say, the Napoli players were fantastic round the centre circle and the national anthem was sung by everybody in the stadium. It was actually heartwarming, honestly, to see all the unity from supporters and players alike.
"I don't know if there's going to be any action taken. How would I find it? I would find it a little bit embarrassing if UEFA punished a team for singing their national anthem.
"You'd have to say, as well, if that's not special circumstances, I don't know what is. Maybe UEFA have misread the audience to a certain degree.
"On an occasion like that, you're maybe better saying 'of course' and, to a certain degree, let the club do what they want to do. I mean, they've sang the national anthem four or five days after the loss of the monarch who reigned for 70 years.
"I certainly don't have a problem with it. It was a privilege to be there, honestly. It was fantastic. It was a great show of unity for people who wanted to pay their respects to the Queen and those who wanted to show support to the new King."
