Rangers have had enough as pointed statement released amid threat of multiple fines
Rangers have been sanctioned by UEFA after some recent crowd incidents, and the club have released a statement condemning the behaviour.
Fans used pyrotechnics in abundance in Rangers’ Champions League defeat to Club Brugge, and this led to a £17,300 fine from UEFA.
Rangers could face further sanctions if such behaviour is repeated, and there have been several incidents in the past which have led to UEFA punishment.
Now, the club have put their foot down to emphasise their stance that right now, the use of pyrotechnics in home and away games is prohibited, and have outlined the risks currently facing Rangers.
Rangers outline potential punishments for fan behaviour
Rangers fans have been at odds with the club in the past, with the Union Bears often vocal against the club hierarchy, and there is keenness on all sides to avoid another major confrontation.
While Rangers fans have every right to be unhappy with Russell Martin and the results under his management, the use of pyrotechnics by a minority is harming the wider fanbase and club as a whole.
In a statement, Rangers outlined the punishments they face for several different incidents by UEFA and the Scottish FA:
- Pyrotechnics at Club Brugge resulted in a £17,300 fine, and a suspended sale of away tickets.
- The use of a smoke bomb at Hampden Park last season has now resulted in a cut of 500 tickets to the allocation for the League Cup semi-final, with a suspended cut of 800.
- A discriminatory banner held up against Fenerbahce last season has resulted in a suspended closure of the Copland Stand.
Rangers have also stated that fans have made requests to the club to take action against those responsible, with the wider fanbase unhappy at being collectively punished for the actions of a few.
Rangers fans have to be wary of punishments
While many argue in favour of pyro as a means of boosting the atmosphere, as seen in other countries and leagues, the simple reality is that under current law, they are prohibited in stadiums.
Rangers could risk further punishment in the Champions League or Scottish Premiership, more fines and potential stadium closures if fans continue to disregard these rules.
The club, team and fanbase would all suffer if stadium closures are handed out, and the only way to avoid this is to simply not use pyro in a way which leads to punishment, and fans will have to accept this for now if further division among supporters is to be avoided.
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