Credit: Imago/talkSPORT on YouTube

Dakir Thanveer

Thu 27 March 2025 8:10, UK

Simon Jordan is not happy with the recent turn of events at Rangers after their UEFA Europa League win against Fenerbahce.

Barry Ferguson orchestrated a memorable European night for Rangers at Ibrox on 13 March when they beat Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce on penalties to qualify for the UEFA Europa League quarter-finals.

However, the occasion was marred by a minority of Gers fans unfurling a banner that UEFA later described as “racist and/or discriminatory”, while also throwing objects from the stands.

Rangers were quick to condemn the supporters, issuing a strong statement that said they are not welcome if they do not believe everyone is welcome to follow the club.

Jordan fumes at UEFA for Rangers punishment

However, that was not enough to prevent UEFA from punishing Rangers as they handed the Premiership heavyweights a suspended closure of the Copland Stand if any racist or discriminatory behaviour is repeated in the next two years, as well as a fine.

Holding firm on their stance, the Ibrox outfit have since responded by beginning the process to issue lifetime bans to the fans who unfurled the said banner.

While the Light Blues’ response is understandable to Jordan, he is infuriated by UEFA’s approach towards the incident.

Not only does the talkSPORT pundit see nothing discriminatory in the banner, but he also accused the governing body of silencing supporters and being “hypocrites”.

He is so baffled by how the incident has developed, labelling it a “nonsense” altogether.

“Rangers’ response to their fans behaving in a certain way, I understand”, Jordan said on talkSPORT (26 March).

“But you’re hypocrites, football! You started this, you started the messaging.

“Every single cause that you want [people] to believe in and want to [shed] light on, you do, and when the people that you say are the most valuable component part of it, the fans, do it, sit out, shut up, you’re racist. Nonsense, nonsense!”

Ibrox to bear consequences

The possibility of the famed ‘Rangers end’ being closed for a UEFA game now looms large just because of the actions of a few fans.

Thousands of fans will miss the opportunity to be a part of a European night if the behaviour is repeated, while also costing the club financially.

While the banner in question did not hit out at a particular group of people directly, there is no doubt that it carried a message that was not inclusive.

It is also a shame that a memorable European game was marred by an incident like this.