Ranger impose prohibitions while UEFA threatens the closing of Ibrox
The rangers are “about to issue prohibitions of life” to the managers of a banner who led to a suspended closure of the Copland stand from UEFA.
The Ibrox stand, which contains about 8,000 fans, will be closed for a game if there is “a repetition of racist and/or discriminatory behavior” during European matches within the next two years.
The rangers were also fined of € 30,000 (£ 25,000) for the offensive banner, which was exhibited at the beginning of this month during the stage of the Victory of the Europa League on Fenerbahce.
There are fines of € 6,000 (£ 5,000) and € 4,500 (£ 3,755) for blocking passages inside the stadium and the launch of objects in the same game.
The club states that the threat of a stand closure “must serve as a serious and significant reminder of the small minority of supporters who bear the name of Ranger in the absence.”
A declaration on the matter underlines that “not only the reputation and finances of the club will be damaged, but also the possibilities that the team in a potentially key European match will suffer enormously, while thousands of innocent fans will not be able to participate in a huge aspect”.
The banner in question declared: “Keep foreign ideologies outside – defend Europe”, with the club that later called it “shameful” and “embarrassing”.
The rangers have now confirmed that they are pursuing prohibitions for life for those responsible.
The statement adds: “The strongest resource that this football club has is our support and the club knows that the vast majority of our supporters will be angry by these episodes and by the consequences for the club and its supporters. We re -emerge our call to all supporters to support the team in the correct way and to challenge those who try to further damage the good name of the Rangers.”
A further UEFA fine of € 8,000 (£ 6,676) was issued for the “improper conduct of the team” against Fenerbahce, with seven Rangers players booked in the 2-0 defeat before Barry Ferguson’s team prevailed in a penalty.
