Rangers have been charged by UEFA for the use of “fireworks” in the club’s recent 2-2 draw with Feyenoord [BBC Scotland] after a week of worrying reports in the media.
Supporters lit an array of red flares in the middle of a display in the de Kuip and the club will likely get a fine as a result.
But things could’ve been so much worse after some reports in the media claimed Rangers supporters indulged in sectarian chanting during the UEFA Europa League match.

Rangers will likely receive a fine for the use of pyro from their fans in the 2-2 draw with Feyenoord. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)
Jordan Campbell and the Daily Record both claimed that Rangers fans had been guilty of sectarian chanting during the game.
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However, the claims were met with vociferous denial amongst some fans, whilst others reacted badly to the idea the club could face a stadium closure for their crunch match with Young Boys.
Despite the fears of fans being quelled, reportage concerning the club’s charge for the flares from UEFA has largely focused on the fact Rangers haven’t been charged for sectarian singing.
Some outlets have used language such as “dodging” or “escaping” bans, and it’s something which doesn’t sit right with many Rangers fans.
By dodge does that mean it didn’t happen?
— mm (@markybeanz) December 2, 2019
*alleged
— Mr M (@MBS1872) December 2, 2019
Yi cant dodge something that didnt happen
— STAUNCHEST OF PARKA MONKEYS (@ScottieF1978) December 2, 2019
This is very subtle. But the use of the word "dodge" – implies that our supporters were doing something wrong, but just weren't caught.
Another snide jibe from the Scottish Mainstream media. https://t.co/DjGOnfXxGO
— Ibrox Loyal (@_IbroxLoyal) December 2, 2019
Just how gutted are you ? Pfffft @Record_Sport
Rangers avoid sectarian singing charge but face UEFA punishment over pyro https://t.co/38OVjB31E4
— RyanClarkKent 1872 💎 (@1872Rck) December 2, 2019
No Rangers have been charged in relation to fireworks. Story ends
— Nat Wilson (@NatWilson4) December 2, 2019
Rangers also avoided losing the match. By not losing the match.
— CambsTrueBlue (@camtrublue) December 2, 2019
Rangers didn’t avoid sectarian singing charge. You can only avoid something if it happened. Safe to assume it never.
— andrew gebbie (@andygebb) December 2, 2019
"Alleged"
— dylann (@DylanSargent_) December 2, 2019
Rangers did not avoid anything – there was NO sectarian singing and therefore nothing to be reported for -again biased reporting by the Record, have a look at how STV reported – no mention of anything other than fireworks !
— Raymond Wilson (@raymondwilson24) December 2, 2019
“Alleged sectarian singing”
— Mr M (@MBS1872) December 2, 2019
Many fans feel aggrieved that these reports are claiming they are guilty of something and have somehow got away with it, despite little evidence.
UEFA’s scrutiny on Rangers will be considerable after the club faced two separate charges earlier in the season for alleged sectarian singing, much to the disappointment of supporters.
But on this occasion, the UEFA delegate is said to have praised the Rangers supporters, flares aside [Chris Jack].
Whilst it’s important that supporters don’t lose track of the overriding point condemning unacceptable behaviour, can fans feel hard-done-by with all this negative coverage?