RANGERS have unleashed a furious statement hitting out at the ‘deeply saddening and frankly embarrassing’ behaviour of their OWN fans.
The stinging blast comes as the Gers revealed they’ve been hit with THREE separate charges by European governing body Uefa.
Rangers have been charged due to this banner[/caption]
The club have also been charged after objects were thrown onto the pitch[/caption]
Rangers took on Fenerbahce at Ibrox last Thursday, a game that saw Barry Ferguson’s side emerge victorious on penalties.
It sealed a coveted spot in the quarter-finals of the Europa League.
But in what is a sour turn of the events, Rangers have revealed they’ve been hit with three charges.
The first one relates to a “racist and/or discriminatory banner” unfurled during the clash with Fenerbahce.
The banner, unfurled by the ultras in the Copland Front, read: “Keep woke foreign ideologies out. Defend Europe.”
The fuming club statement railed against the “shameful” situation and told those responsible they will face consequences.
Rangers said: “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.”
Rangers also revealed another two Uefa charges, stemming from the same fixture.
One of those relates to the throwing of objects at the game.
Fenerbahce goalkeeper Irfan Can Egribayat was spotted on TV cameras handing what appeared to be a vape to the referee.
Continuing the blistering statement, Rangers hit out at fans over that incident, too, and highlighted a number of other similar occurrences seen in recent months, including Celtic’s Arne Engels being struck by a coin in January.
The statement went on: “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 third charge relates to the blocking of passageways, with Rangers confirming: “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.”
The statement didn’t end there however and Rangers warned fans of the potential of impending DOMESTIC charges as well.
The club highlighted the lighting of pyrotechnics in the away end at the conclusion of Sunday’s Old Firm win at Celtic Park.
Rangers and Celtic have already been hit with a reduction in ticket allocations regarding pyro, with 500 fans to miss their next League Cup matches at Hampden.
The Gers have now revealed the continued pyro use could lead to a FURTHER cut in allocations.
The statement concluded: “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.”
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