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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
Mark Walker

Athletic Bilbao issue supporter warning over 'violent behaviour' ahead of Rangers tie

Athletic Bilbao have warned their own fans to behave ahead of their Europa League quarter finals against Rangers and urged them to cut out 'violent behaviour.'

And they have warned them that the worldwide image of the Basque Country is at stake.

Rangers welcome the Spanish side to Ibrox next week in the first leg before the return game in Bilbao.

Like Rangers, Athletic Bilbao were fined by UEFA for the behaviour of their fans in their Round of 16 clash against Roma.

But while Rangers were fined because of their fans' antics inside the stadium, Athletic Bilbao were hammered for their supporters' attacks on police outside their San Mames ground and were fined around £25,000 by European football's governing body.

And Athletic have urged their notorious fans to behave ahead of the game against Rangers.


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They stated: "The fact that no incidents occurred inside San Mames does not exempt us from its responsibility for the incidents that occurred before the match and in the vicinity of the stadium.

"UEFA confirmed that at least 10 to 15 firecrackers and flares were lit before the match in the vicinity of the stadium, and that several flares were thrown at the police, along with some cans and glass bottles.

"The uncivil, vandalistic, or downright violent behavior of a minority not only tarnishes the image of Athletic and fans but also carries consequences that harm society as a whole.

"Beyond the financial or other sanctions that the club and its fans may receive, the image of the city and the Basque people that we project to Europe and the world is at stake.

"We call on the Athletic Club family and all citizens to firmly reject any behavior that tarnishes our name and the region it represents."

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