Rangers should protest against Red Star Belgrade after Russian backing
After Saturday’s game against Aberdeen is done and dusted, attentions for Rangers will turn to the Europa League where they host Red Star Belgrade on Thursday.
The Light Blues caused a big shock in the previous round as they knocked out Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund but they are now the favourites against the Serbian champions.
It was already billed to be a high-intensity affair off the pitch with two very passionate fanbases going toe to toe but those tensions may have risen after what Red Star have done.
Crvena Zvezda were one of three teams sponsored by Russian company Gazprom along with Schalke and Zenit St Petersburg but the German side severed ties immediately when Vladimir Putin ordered his troops to invade Ukraine last week.
UEFA also canned the company as sponsors of the Champions League but they insist that any club with connections Gazprom can make their own choices.
The Serbian side have continued to don their name on their shirts and will do so again at Ibrox on Thursday which might spark some furious reactions from those in Scotland.
Not only that, but the club’s supporters were even found to be chanting in support of Russia during their 3-0 league win against Vozdovac [Daily Mail].
Russian flags were also spotted waving during the Eternal Derby against Partizan Belgrade and the Light Blues shouldn’t accept it.
What they can do to stop it before Thursday’s encounter isn’t immediately obvious but one solution could be a protest to UEFA over Gazprom’s appearance on their kit.
The Gers can’t exactly stop another side from having them as a sponsor so this seems to be the next best option.
The supporters at Ibrox need to make their voices heard too and ensure the Serbians are well aware of the error of their ways.
In other Rangers news, Barry Ferguson has been raving about this Gers ace despite coming under fire in recent weeks.