Rangers have condemned a “small minority” of supporters for bringing the club’s name into disrepute after UEFA imposed a suspended stand closure and further ticketing sanctions following incidents during recent European matches.
The governing body’s latest disciplinary ruling includes a suspended closure of the Copland Road Stand, which will be enforced if there is any repeat of racist or discriminatory behaviour within the next two years.
The Scottish Premiership giants has warned that any future breaches - including illicit chanting - could see thousands of innocent supporters locked out of a key European fixture, with Rangers’ reputation and finances also taking a hit.
The punishment follows the display of a racist and/or discriminatory banner during the Ibrox side’s Europa League last-16 clash with Fenerbahce on March 13, with the club confirming that those responsible are in the process of receiving lifetime bans.
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Rangers have previously been sanctioned over the use of pyrotechnics at Hampden Park during the Scottish League Cup final against Celtic last year. And Rangers chiefs have already decided that the groups responsible will be directly impacted by a 500-ticket reduction the next time the club reaches the latter stages of the cup competition at the national stadium. A repeat offence could see that figure rise to 800.
In a strongly worded statement, the club insisted the vast majority of fans would be angered by the reckless behaviour of a few and urged all supporters to challenge those who tarnish Rangers’ name.
They said: “The strongest asset this football club has is our support, and the club knows the overwhelming majority of our supporters will be angered by these episodes and the consequences they have for the club and its supporters.
“We reiterate our call for all supporters to back the team in the correct manner, and to challenge those who seek to further damage the good name of Rangers.”
Meanwhile, their Europa League quarter-final opponents, Athletic Club, have also been fined €34,000 by UEFA after their supporters blocked public passageways, lit fireworks, and threw objects during their last-16 home tie against Roma on March 13.
Both clubs will be eager to finish the 2024-25 season on a high, with their European showdown set for next month. However, Rangers’ ongoing disputes with UEFA and their own supporters keep tensions running high off the pitch
