Rangers have been hit with a series of UEFA sanctions following their Europa League last-16 victory over Fenerbahce, with fines totalling €48,500 (£40,400) and the threat of a partial stadium closure hanging over the club.
The governing body’s disciplinary action stems from multiple breaches during the second leg match at Ibrox, including an offensive banner, blocked passageways, and objects being thrown.
The most severe consequence is a suspended closure of the Copland Road Stand, meaning that if there is any repeat of discriminatory behaviour in European matches within the next two years, the 8,000-capacity section will be shut for one game.
In response, Rangers have condemned those responsible and are in the process of issuing lifetime bans.
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Here’s a breakdown of the sanctions…
Suspended closure of the Ibrox stand
UEFA has ruled that the Copland Road Stand will be shut for one match if Rangers are found guilty of further racist or discriminatory behaviour at European fixtures within the next two years. This punishment follows the display of an offensive banner, which Rangers swiftly condemned as “shameful” and “embarrassing.”
In a strongly worded statement, the club stressed the severity of the situation, warning that not only would another breach harm their reputation and finances, but it could also impact their performance in a key European fixture while punishing thousands of innocent fans.
Fines for offensive banner and fan conduct
The largest financial penalty Rangers have received is a €30,000 (£25,000) fine for the offensive banner displayed during the Fenerbahce clash. The banner read: “Keep woke foreign ideologies out - defend Europe,” a message UEFA deemed discriminatory. Rangers have since taken steps to identify those responsible and are pursuing lifetime bans.
Additional fines have been imposed for other fan-related breaches during the same match, including:
• €6,000 (£5,000) – For blocking passageways inside Ibrox.
• €4,500 (£3,755) – For the throwing of objects.
Rangers have urged fans to uphold the club’s reputation, stating that a “small minority” continue to damage the team’s standing in Europe.
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Fine for improper team conduct
Beyond the disciplinary issues in the stands, Rangers have also been sanctioned for their players’ behaviour on the pitch. UEFA has fined the club €8,000 (£6,676) for “improper conduct of the team” after seven Rangers players were booked during the 2-0 defeat, which ended in a dramatic penalty shootout victory.
While the fine is relatively minor compared to the others, it adds to the growing tally of financial hits Rangers have taken from UEFA this season.
Rangers’ response and next steps
Rangers have made it clear they will not tolerate actions that bring the club into disrepute. Their efforts to issue lifetime bans signal a no-nonsense approach to tackling discrimination within the fanbase. The club also reiterated their call for all supporters to back the team in the “correct manner” and challenge those who cause harm to Rangers’ name.
With a potential Copland Road Stand closure still looming, Rangers must now ensure they avoid any further UEFA breaches - both on and off the pitch - as they continue their European campaign with a quarter final meeting with Athletic Club next month.
