Rangers fans have been dealt a big blow ahead of the upcoming Champions League qualifiers following a UEFA ruling [Larnefc.com].
Euro 2020 has seen significant numbers of supporters back in stadia across Europe in a relaxing of restrictions that many feel was long overdue.
Crowds have consisted almost entirely of home supporters, but earlier this week when Portugal took on Hungary in Budapest in front of a capacity crowd, there was even a sizeable section of away fans.
The scenes will have given hope to Rangers fans that not only will they soon be back at Ibrox, but that the option of following their team around Europe will soon once again be open to them.
However, Euro 2020 is very much being treated as a special case and when club competitions restart, things will be scaled back.
Unless exemptions are granted, Scottish Government rules dictate that Rangers will only be allowed 2000 fans at Ibrox even when Glasgow is in Level 0 and now it’s been made clear by UEFA that away fans won’t be permitted to travel to any Champions League, Europa League or Europa Conference League qualifying matches, even if there’s a travel corridor with the country in question.
Following a query by Northern Irish club Larne FC, UEFA said: “We remind you that in case UEFA matches are staged with spectators all clubs must respect the UEFA Minimum Health & Hygiene Requirements for the Return of Spectators v2.”
“The decision on the number of permitted spectators falls under the responsibility of the relevant competent local/national authorities.
“Please note that in view of the ongoing travel restrictions and in order to minimise COVID-19 related risks, the UEFA Executive Committee decided as well to not allow visiting fans to attend UEFA club competition matches and not to apply the 5% rule for visiting supporters for all 2021/22 qualifying phase and play-offs matches.
“No spectators are allowed for matches played in neutral venues.”
Unfortunately for Bears, this means that there’ll be no takeovers of cities on the continent for some time yet.
The Gers are hoping to receive a major financial boost by making the Champions League group stages but must successfully negotiate two rounds of qualifying to do so.
In other news, an English club are reportedly poised to snap up a former Rangers midfielder following his nightmare overseas stint.
