MANY Rangers fans have been forced into making a last-minute change to their travel plans for Thursday’s clash with Fenerbahce.
Thousands of Light Blues supporters will make the trip to Istanbul to watch Barry Ferguson and Co take on Jose Mourinho in the dugout.
It will be Barry Ferguson’s third game in the Gers dugout[/caption]
He’ll face an almighty challenge against Jose Mourinho[/caption]
Around 2,000 Gers supporters have managed to get their hands on a golden ticket to watch the action live inside the Sukru Saracoglu Stadium.
The two sides will face off in a blockbuster Europa League last 16 showdown and it’s Fenerbahce who are the favourites to progress amid Rangers‘ recent poor form.
But fans of the Ibrox club are still hopeful they can pull off an upset and defy the odds away from home in Europe like they have done on numerous occasions.
Punters will already have just about all of their travel arrangements confirmed with just days to go before the big clash.
But some of those supporters will need to have a re-think over their plans on the day of the game after being hit with a last-minute disruption.
Rangers have told fans who are planning to travel by coach that their pickup point has been moved five miles away from it’s original spot.
It leaves those are affected having to take an unexpected journey north – away from the stadium – to get their seat on the bus.
The coaches were initially expected to pick up supporters from Sultanahmet Square but the club have been informed that pickup spot is no longer available due to a religious festival taking place.
The plans have been rearranged at short notice with supporters now told the meeting point is in Taksim Square, which is located more than five miles away from the original spot.
It’s a huge blow for supporters who have already booked rooms in hotels near the original pickup destination in Sultanahmet Square.
A statement from Rangers’ liaison officer read: “Supporters travelling to Istanbul should note the coach pick-up point has today been amended by the local authorities.
“This is due to a religious festival taking place near Sultanahmet Square. The mandatory coaches will now leave from Gezi Park at Taksim Square.
“We recognise this late change may cause inconvenience, and unfortunately, the club has no control over it. We urge all travelling supporters to plan accordingly and thank you again for your understanding.”
A furious fan hit out on social media: “This is really poor so late in the day. It’s leaving a lot of supporters in a predicament and for following the clubs advice.”
Another agreed: “This is very poor. I had originally booked a hotel 20mins from the stadium then they make a pick up point so I’ve booked a hotel 2 mins from that. Now they move the goal posts again, absolutely disgraceful.”
Someone else wrote: “A shambles again, no thought for travelling fans. The club said itself it’s a challenging trip, fans then book hotels near Sultanahmet Square to limit any issues with regards to safety but now changed to a square 8.5km away with 2 days to go. Disgraceful.
A fourth said: “Not ideal this, especially when club told us to go to a different part of the city! It is what it is though, probably as well meeting at Sultahmet and walking to Taksim together.”
Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page
