Rangers walk tightrope as they suffer ‘massive loss of income’ – Exclusive
Rangers are dealing with the fallout after a group of fans displayed a controversial banner in their Europa League victory over Fenerbahce.
UEFA have now fined Rangers and handed out a suspended partial stadium closure, after fans displayed a sign that was deemed to be offensive.
Rangers issued a strongly worded statement condemning the banner, but more problems may follow as a result.
The current sanction has meant that if fans display another offensive banner at Ibrox in the next two years, Rangers will be hit with a closure, and the financial impact of this has now been examined.
Rangers could be hit with major financial blow after UEFA charge
Speaking exclusively to Ibrox News, former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee Keith Hackett has now explained why a partial stadium closure will be disastrous for Rangers.
“I anticipated that UEFA would come down with a heavy sanction. The Stadium Ban will be invoked if a similar action by fans takes place in the future,” Hackett explained.
“If a Stadium Ban happens then not only does it penalise every Rangers fan, the club will also suffer a massive loss of income.
| Opposition | Home/Away |
| Dundee | Away |
| Hibernian | Home |
| Athletic Club | Home |
| Aberdeen | Away |
“The pressure on Rangers to ensure that their fans behave is massive. So for the next couple of years, they are walking a tightrope.
“Their action to ban the offending fans is a demonstration to UEFA that they are taking the matter very seriously.
“Come on Rangers fans, the last thing you want is not being able to see your club playing in a prestigious competition.”
Rangers nervous about UEFA ban?
Rangers will be keen to ensure the club are not hit with another ban, and they have already taken steps to protect themselves from further sanctions.
Bans have been announced for the fans who raised the banner against Fenerbahce, and their recent statements have emphasised a strong zero-tolerance policy for further offensive gestures.
If Rangers are eventually hit with stadium closure sanctions, the fans will suffer as well as the club. Fewer tickets will be available at Ibrox, and the club will have to face the financial hit, as well as further potential fines, caused by further UEFA punishment.