UEFA sanctioned Rangers on Tuesday after fans held up a “discriminatory” banner during a Europa League game against Fenerbahce.
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UEFA sanctions Rangers for “discriminatory” banner
UEFA told Rangers to close the Copland Stand for one match if racism or discrimination happens again within two years.
The Glasgow club condemned their own fans after a banner which read: “Keep woke foreign ideologies out — defend Europe.”
“This punishment must serve as a severe and significant reminder to the small minority of supporters who bring the name of Rangers into disrepute,” the 55-time Scottish champion said in a statement Tuesday.
“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.”
“In response to the displaying of the racist and/or discriminatory banner at the Fenerbahce game, the club can confirm that it is in the process of issuing lifetime bans to the individuals responsible.”
“Deeply embarrassing”
Rangers also received a €30,000 fine along with the suspended partial stadium closure.
UEFA declared that it would classify “illicit songs” as racist or discriminatory in future actions.
The Copland Stand serves as the “Rangers end,” an iconic section of Ibrox Stadium.
Rangers advanced to the quarterfinals of the Europa League by defeating Fenerbahce on penalties.
However, the banner incident has cast a shadow over that achievement.
Rangers stated that it was “deeply saddening and frankly embarrassing that the club is now set to face significant sanctions for the actions of a very small minority.”
The club also received a €4,500 fine for object-throwing and an additional €8,000 ($8,650) for the improper conduct of its players.
