Sevilla youngster Marcelo Expósito Jiménez has been banned by UEFA for two games after an “assault” on Rangers star Alex Lowry in the UEFA Youth League game betweenn the sides last month.
The Spaniards won the game to secure their progression to the next round but ended the game with ten man after Expósito Jiménez clashed with Lowry in the second-half at Dumbarton.
UEFA’s disciplinary panel confirmed the sanction as they also hit the La Liga side with a fine of €1,750 for “Improper conduct of the team”.
The Spanish side won 1-0 to set up a clash with Paris SG in the last 16, losing out in an ill-tempered game that saw two players from both sides dismissed.
Rangers have impressed in their two appearances in the UEFA Youth League so far, losing out to Spanish opposition at the same stage in successive campaigns for the young Gers.
Next season could see the young Gers take part in the Youth League in the Champions League path if the first-team can secure the Scottish Premiership title and a place in the Champions League groups.
If not, they will need to overhaul Hibs in the CAS League and win the title and book their place in the Youth League through the Domestic Champions pathway.
Meanwhile, Rangers could benefit from major format changes in the UEFA Champions League from season 2024/2025.