Rangers have hit out at a minority of supporters after being charged over a banner at last week’s win over Fenerbahce.
During the Europa League second leg, which Gers ended up winning on penalties, the Union Bears displayed a banner which read ‘Keep woke foreign ideologies out. Defend Europe.”
The club has now been hit with a UEFA charge and as a result Ibrox chiefs taken aim at the small section of supporters responsible.
On top of that, pyrotechnics were on display at the win over Celtic at the weekend which could bring further consequences.
Earlier this month, Rangers were sanctioned for the use of pyrotechnics at the Premier Sports Cup final against Celtic. Found in breach of SPFL Rule H34, with 500 fans to be locked out of the next League Cup clash at Hampden. And any further breaches would trigger a suspended sanction of a reduction of 800 tickets.
Gers were also previously hit with an SPFL charge over the semi-final win over Motherwell.
Rangers tell discriminatory fans they’re not welcome
Rangers have unequivocally told supporters that anyone who holds discriminatory beliefs is not welcome at games.
The club is saddened and embarrassed by the charge for racist/discriminatory behaviour and has vowed to work to identify the individuals responsible to ensure they face consequences for their actions.
A statement has confirmed the clubs is also facing sanctions for throwing of objects at the same game, which also happened against Motherwell when an object aimed at the away end actually hit a home fan.
They will also be punished for the blocking of passageways when Fenerbahce were in town.
It is not yet known what the punishment will be for these charges.
In terms of the racism and discrimination, the club has made it very clear that anyone with those beliefs should “disassociate” themselves with Rangers.
Rangers’ statement in full
A statement from Rangers reads: “Everyone associated with Rangers Football Club will undoubtedly have enjoyed the last fortnight, with the men’s first-team producing some memorable results at home and abroad.
“Contributing enormously to these occasions has been the backing of the Rangers supporters, with the world once again taking note of the phenomenal passion the club’s fans bring to these big occasions.
“It is, however, deeply saddening and frankly embarrassing that the club is now set to face significant sanctions for the actions of a very small minority.
“Firstly, the club has been charged by UEFA after a handful of supporters displayed what UEFA describe as a “racist and/or discriminatory banner” at last Thursday’s Ibrox meeting with Fenerbahce.
“Rangers is a modern, progressive football club, and we are fiercely proud of our diverse playing squads, workforce and support. For the club to be charged with such a matter in 2025 is shameful, and the disdain for those responsible will be shared by the overwhelming majority of our supporters.
“This charge will bring consequences for the club, while the club is also working to identify those responsible and will ensure they also face consequences.
“For the avoidance of doubt, if you do not believe in 2025 that absolutely everyone is welcome to follow Rangers whether at Ibrox or away, then Rangers is not the club for you, and you should disassociate yourself with the club immediately.
“Further, the club has also been charged by UEFA for the throwing of objects at the home match with Fenerbahce.
“This is becoming a regular occurrence, not just at Rangers matches, but across stadia in Scotland. Indeed, our players and staff were targeted with missiles at Parkhead on Sunday.
“Focusing on Ibrox, however, there was a widely-reported incident in the January Old Firm game, whilst at the recent game with Motherwell, one of our own supporters was hit and injured by an object thrown towards the away end. And now, the club faces a sanction for the actions of an individual last Thursday night.
“This senseless and criminal behaviour has no place in sport, nor in society. Again, if you think such behaviour is acceptable, you are not welcome at Rangers matches.
“The club will also face a UEFA sanction for the blocking of passageways at the Fenerbahce match. Supporters are urged to follow the advice of stewards and police at all matches, and to take their own seat to avoid this issue occurring again.
“Lastly, and despite clear warnings to the contrary, pyrotechnics were used by two individuals following Sunday’s Old Firm victory at Parkhead.
“This runs the risk of an additional 800 of our supporters being unable to attend a match in the latter stages of the Premier Sports Cup at Hampden, in addition to the 500 that will already miss out as a result of the use of pyrotechnics.
“All of the above behaviours will have consequences for the club, and either directly or indirectly, the club’s supporters.
“Rangers as a club will stand alongside our supporters, and advocate for their rights and their ability to support the team in the most passionate ways possible within the confines of the law and the appropriate regulations.
“However, the club also calls on all reasonable supporters to wholeheartedly reject any behaviour which brings the name of Rangers into disrepute, and to assist the club by challenging any issues which will lead to the club being punished further by the relevant authorities.”
