Rangers have been issued fines totalling almost £50,000 and threatened with a partial stadium closure over ‘racist or discriminatory behaviour’.
The Ibrox club have come under scrutiny over a banner displayed during the Europa League clash with Fenerbahce, as well as ‘the singing of illicit songs’, which alerted UEFA officials.
The club have been issued a suspended closure of the Copland Stand, which will be imposed if there are any further incidents within the next two years.
A statement on the official club website read: “Rangers notes the outcome of the UEFA disciplinary case, and the respective sanctions imposed upon the club for several issues at the recent Ibrox match with Fenerbahce.
“Most notably, the club has been served with a suspended closure of the Copland Stand should there be any repeat of racist and/or discriminatory behaviour within the next two years.
“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.
2In 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.
“Further, following the use of pyrotechnics at Parkhead in the Old Firm game, the club can confirm the groups responsible for their discharge will be directly impacted by the 500 ticket reduction issued as a sanction the next time the club appears in the latter stages of the Premier Sports Cup at Hampden.
“The club again stresses a future use of pyrotechnics at any SPFL match may lead to a further reduction of 800 tickets at a latter-stage Premier Sports Cup match.
The strongest asset this football club has is our support, and the club knows the overwhelming majority of our supporters will be angered by these episodes and the consequences they have for the club and its supporters.
“We reiterate our call for all supporters to back the team in the correct manner, and to challenge those who seek to further damage the good name of Rangers.”
