Rangers have learned the outcome of their UEFA sanctions for a so-called ‘anti-woke’ banner unfurled against Fenerbahce in the Europa League.
Rangers slammed supporters for the banner and claimed the club was expecting ‘significant’ sanctions from the European governing body as a result.
Rangers supporters also took aim at fellow fans for bringing the club’s name into disrepute with what the Gers described as a ‘shameful’ incident.
UEFA’s Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body have now published their decision with the Copland Stand in the governing body’s sights.
Rangers have also been fined for the banner, with the club receiving additional punitive measures for the ‘improper conduct’ of the club’s players, throwing of objects and the blocking of public passageways.
Rangers handed suspended stand closure by UEFA
Rangers have been handed a suspended sentence by UEFA which will lead to the closure of the Copland Stand for one match if there are any more breaches within the next two years.
This effectively means that Rangers fans will have to be on their best behaviour or they will risk losing the singing section of the stadium for any UEFA club competition match.
The Gers have also been fined €30k (£25k) for the unfurling of the controversial banner, which read: “KEEP WOKE FOREIGN IDEOLOGIES OUT. DEFEND EUROPE.
The punishments haven’t ended there for Rangers either, with the club being fined an additional combined total of €18.5k (£15.5k) for three separate offences.
The UEFA charges and sanctions are listed below:
Improper conduct of the team (5 players or more), Art. 15(4) DR: Fine: €8,000
Throwing of objects, Art. 16(2)(b) DR: Fine: €4,500
Blocking of public passageways, Art. 38 UEFA Safety and Security Regulations: Fine: €6,000
Racist and/or discriminatory behaviour, Art. 14(2) DR: Fine: €30,000 & Partial stadium closure (i.e. the Copland stand) during the next one (1) UEFA club competition match it will play as host club. Said partial stadium closure is suspended during a probationary period of two (2) years.
Rangers to issue ‘lifetime bans’ to banner perpetrators
Rangers have reacted to the fines and the suspended stand closure by once again taking aim at the supporters who arranged for the banner to be flown.
The Gers have also confirmed that they are in the process of identifying those supporters who are responsible and giving them ‘lifetime bans’ from the stadium.
In a stinging 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.“
The UEFA document also confirms Athletic Bilbao have been fined by UEFA after violent clashes marred their Europa League round of 16 second leg with AS Roma.
