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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Sport
Dan Kilpatrick

Rangers legend John Greig urges fans to behave at Europa League final as ‘ambassadors’ of the club in Seville

Former Rangers captain John Greig has urged the Gers fans to “remember they are an ambassador” for the club as thousands descend on Seville for tonight's Europa League final against Eintracht Frankfurt.

Around 100,000 Rangers supporters are expected in the Spanish city for one of the biggest nights in the club's history, with the vast majority who have travelled without tickets for the 42,700-capacity Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan.

The clubs were originally allocated 9,500 tickets each, although more are thought to have become available in recent days, and 50,000 Frankfurt supporters are also expected to travel. A number of German fans were arrested after trouble overnight.

Greig led the team to victory in the European Cup Winners' Cup final in Barcelona in 1972 and is with the team in Spain tonight.

In an open letter to fans, he urged them to show the “absolute best” of the club and “protect the good name of Rangers”.

He added: “To see Rangers in a European final is something many of us thought would not be possible again, and I've been so taken by the incredible lengths you are going to in order to reach Seville to back the team out there.

“It is vital that we all act responsibly and remember the values that this institution stands for.”

Ticketless fans will be able to watch the match on big screens around the city and at the 57,000-capacity Estadio La Cartuja, where Celtic lost the 2003 UEFA Cup final.

Rangers captain James Tavernier says the players are prepared “to go to deal” for one another against the Bundesliga side.

“It’s the best changing room I’ve been in. We’ve got a mixture of youth and experience," said the right-back. “Come matchday, you now know one another and we will go to the death for one another.

“In any situation, I know the boys will prevail and the character of every single one of them will shine through. It’s a delight to be captain of these boys.

“It means the world to us to win this trophy. I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for the great team behind us, the boss directing us. It is obviously one step away and we all want to make history and bring that cup back home. I know all the boys will give 110 per cent when asked and we will leave everything out on the pitch and hopefully we will make everyone proud.”

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