Rangers make ‘Strange’ new announcement after UEFA developments
Rangers saw off Fenerbahce to reach the Europa League quarter-finals in an unbelievable night at Ibrox, but it was overshadowed by off-the-pitch matters.
The Light Blues lost the second leg 2-0 on the evening, taking the game to penalties with a 3-3 draw on aggregate, with Barry Ferguson’s men progressing in a penalty shootout, winning 3-2.
However, UEFA then charged Rangers for the display of a banner which they describe as having a “racist and/or discriminatory” message, as well as the throwing of objects from the stands.
Keith Jackson reacts to Rangers announcement
Although they were the underdogs going into the tie, the Gers went away to Fenerbahce and beat Jose Mourinho’s side 3-1, putting them in a strong position as they returned to Ibrox.
Despite it not going their way in Govan, they still found a way to progress.
While it was positive on the pitch, Rangers released a statement after the UEFA charges, calling out supporters who had engaged in certain behaviour, stating that they are a club for everyone.
When asked if Rangers were right to call out the behaviour of some supporters, Keith Jackson wrote in the print edition of the Daily Record (24 March, pg 39): “Absolutely and not before time.
“But this was a strange bone to pick with them, given the banner involved was so obtuse and badly worded. What did it even mean?”
Rangers looking ahead to a new era
With the 49ers Enterprises looking to complete their takeover at Ibrox by the end of the season, the Gers will be feeling like better times are coming.
The new owners are likely to invest much more into the team and the set-up of the club to allow Rangers to compete at the top levels again in a more sustainable way.
Ferguson’s impressive start to life as interim manager has caused some questions to be asked about whether he is the man who can take the Glasgow outfit forward permanently.
| Played | Won | Drawn | Lost |
| 5 | 3 | 0 | 2 |
However, there have also been suggestions that the 49ers will be keen to choose their own candidate and go for someone with more experience at a top level.
With all these positive developments, though, having to focus on sanctions because of behaviour off the field must be frustrating for the club, and you can understand why they felt the need to take a strong stance on the issue.
With nothing else on the cards this term, progression in the Europa League is a chance to save what has been an otherwise dismal season at Ibrox.
Therefore, Rangers will need to rely on the full support of their fanbase as they prepare to face Athletic Bilbao in the next round of the Europa League in the hope of bringing more positivity before the end of the season.