Rangers warn fans about unacceptable behaviour ahead of Champions League tie

STV News

a day ago

Rangers have reminded supporters that any unacceptable behaviour in the stands during Tuesday's clash with Panathinaikos could lead to a stand closure.
The Ibrox side host Greek opposition in their first competitive game since the American takeover and the appointment of Russell Martin as head coach, with the teams contesting the first leg of their Champions League qualifier.
Ahead of the match, Rangers have warned fans that there would be severe consequences for any 'racist and/or discriminatory behaviour', which they say includes 'illicit singing, chanting or the displaying of banners'.
The club has urged supporters to take 'the opportunity to again show the very best of our club on the biggest stage', saying that they are 'renowned for incredible backing in noise and colour' and that they can get behind the team in a positive manner.
The reminder comes after the display of a banner that read 'Keep woke foreign ideologies out. Defend Europe.' during the Europa League tie against Fenerbahce last year.
European football's governing body took a dim view, with UEFA handing Rangers a suspended sentence that could see the Copland Stand lie empty should there be any repeat of racist and/or discriminatory behaviour within the next two years.
Rangers issued lifetime bans to supporters involved and condemned the behaviour.
A statement issued by the club at the time said: 'This punishment must serve as a severe and significant reminder to the small minority of supporters who bring the name of Rangers into disrepute.
'Any repeat of any discriminatory behaviour (and this also includes the singing of illicit songs) may result in the famed 'Rangers end' of our home being closed for a UEFA match.
'Not only will the reputation and finances of the club be harmed by such a punishment, but the chances of the team in a potentially key European match will also suffer enormously, while thousands of innocent fans will be unable to attend a massive fixture.'
Rangers had previously hit out at those responsible for the banner saying: '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.'
The statement issued on Monday ahead of the Panathinakos tie said the match 'heralds the beginning of a new era' and urged fans to 'show the very best to the watching world'.
It read: 'Rangers will begin another European campaign on Tuesday night, and with that comes the opportunity to again show the very best of our club on the biggest stage.
'Across the continent, Ibrox and the Rangers support are renowned for your incredible backing both in noise and in colour, and that backing can again make all the difference against Panathinaikos and beyond.
'Supporters are, however, reminded that the club remains under a suspended stand closure sanction. That means should there be any repeat of what UEFA deems as 'racist and/or discriminatory behaviour' in any area of the stadium, the Copland Stand will be closed for a future European match.
'That will mean thousands of fellow Rangers supporters will be deprived of the opportunity to attend a potentially key game, while the players on the pitch will lose a significant proportion of that amazing support you provide.
'Discriminatory behaviour includes (but is not limited to) illicit singing, chanting or the displaying of banners.
'Ahead of this match, and indeed the season, the club also reminds supporters the throwing of objects onto the pitch is unacceptable, illegal, and will lead to serious consequences for the club and the potential arrest of the individuals responsible.
'Tuesday's huge match heralds the beginning of a new era for our great club, and another opportunity to show the very best of it to the watching world.'
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