Rangers hit with suspended stadium CLOSURE over racist/discriminatory banner as club warns fans about ‘illicit songs’
RANGERS have been hit with a suspended stadium CLOSURE by Uefa following the recent clash with Fenerbahce.
The punishment, suspended for a period of two years, has been handed down in relation to ‘racist and/or discriminatory behaviour.’
Uefa have come down hard over this banner[/caption]
It was displayed during the Fenerbahce match at Ibrox[/caption]
Rangers have also been charged over the throwing of objects[/caption]
Rangers won the tie after a penalty shoot-out[/caption]
Last week, Rangers released a ferocious statement where they blasted sections of their OWN support over behaviour.
They revealed that Uefa sanctions were incoming following the match against Fenerbahce, held at Ibrox on Thursday, March 13.
After a dramatic encounter, the Gers emerged victorious after a penalty shoot-out.
But in the aftermath, Rangers raged at the ‘saddening and frankly embarrassing behaviour’ in the stands and hit out at the display of a banner in the Union Bears section.
A banner displayed by the ultras read: “Keep woke foreign ideologies out. Defend Europe.”
Rangers subsequently hit out at the “racist and/or discriminatory banner” as they revealed they had been hit with a number of Uefa charges.
Now, the exact punishment from that charge has been handed down.
Rangers have been hit with a partial stadium CLOSURE over the banner.
That punishment would see the Copland Stand will SHUT for a Uefa match at Ibrox.
However, it will NOT be the upcoming clash with Athletic Bilbao in the Europa League quarter-finals.
That’s because the punishment is suspended for a probationary period of two years.
That does, however, mean any
Rangers have also been fined £25,000 in relation to the ‘racist and/or discriminatory behaviour.’
The fuming club have unleashed a blistering statement, warning fans that any further discriminatory behaviour – including the singing of what they call ‘illicit songs’ – could result in the closure coming into force.
Rangers also revealed they are issuing LIFETIME BANS to those responsible for the banner.
In a statement, Rangers said: “Rangers notes the outcome of the UEFA disciplinary case, and the respective sanctions imposed upon the club for several issues at the recent Ibrox match with Fenerbahce.
“Most notably, the club has been served with a suspended closure of the Copland Stand should there be any repeat of racist and/or discriminatory behaviour within the next two years.
“This punishment must serve as a severe and significant reminder to the small minority of supporters who bring the name of Rangers into disrepute. Any repeat of any discriminatory behaviour (and this also includes the singing of illicit songs) may result in the famed ‘Rangers end’ of our home being closed for a UEFA match.
“Not only will the reputation and finances of the club be harmed by such a punishment, but the chances of the team in a potentially key European match will also suffer enormously, while thousands of innocent fans will be unable to attend a massive fixture.
“In response to the displaying of the racist and/or discriminatory banner at the Fenerbahce game, the club can confirm that it is in the process of issuing lifetime bans to the individuals responsible.”
Rangers’ Uefa fines
Improper conduct of the team (5 players or more), Art. 15(4) DR – Fine: £6,680
Throwing of objects, Art. 16(2)(b) DR – Fine: £3,755
Blocking of public passageways, Art. 38 UEFA Safety & Security Regulations – Fine: £5,000
Racist and/or discriminatory behaviour, Art. 14(2) DR – Fine: £25,000; Partial stadium closure (i.e. the Copland Stand) during the next one UEFA club competition match it will play as host club. Said partial stadium closure is suspended during a probationary period of two years.
Rangers were also hit with THREE further Uefa fines.
They were hit with a fine in relation to improper conduct of the team of around £6,750, £3,750 for throwing of objects and £5,000 for blocking of passageways.
Meanwhile, Rangers have also revealed that the groups responsible for the pyrotechnics charge relating to the recent Old Firm game will be directly hit.
Rangers – as well as Celtic – will receive a ticket reduction of 500 supporters at their next Premier Sports Cup match at Hampden in relation to pyro use.
The statement continued: “Further, following the use of pyrotechnics at Parkhead in the Old Firm game, the club can confirm the groups responsible for their discharge will be directly impacted by the 500 ticket reduction issued as a sanction the next time the club appears in the latter stages of the Premier Sports Cup at Hampden.
“The club again stresses a future use of pyrotechnics at any SPFL match may lead to a further reduction of 800 tickets at a latter-stage Premier Sports Cup match.
“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.”
Celtic were also hit with three Uefa charges in the latest round of sanctions, including a suspended one-match ban for manager Brendan Rodgers.
All three sanctions stem from the Champions League tie against Bayern Munich.
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