Rangers ‘could be excluded’ from Europa League as Ibrox statement made after UEFA decision
Rangers aren’t new to being sanctioned by UEFA for their fans’ actions in European competitions.
The Gers faced a fine last season after a discriminatory banner in their game against Fenerbahce in the Europa League, leading to the Copland Stand’s suspended closure.
Authorities have now fined the Light Blues £17,300 as fans let off pyrotechnics in Rangers’ Champions League qualifying defeat against Club Brugge at the Jan Breydel Stadium.
The Rangers hierarchy released a statement after being sanctioned by UEFA, and the Glaswegian outfit’s bosses have warned fans of potential punishments.
This article contains exclusive comments from former Premier League and FIFA-listed referee Keith Hackett.
UEFA sanctions could be much worse for Rangers
UEFA’s power shouldn’t be underestimated by the Gers’ supporters, Keith Hackett says.
The former Premier League referee has urged the Ibrox faithful to realise that there’s potential for much greater sanctions, with the Light Blues already affected financially.
Hackett warns the Glaswegian outfit could potentially be dumped out of the Europa League, but hopefully the recent statement will lead to a positive outcome.
- The Gers reached the Europa League quarter-finals last season.
- The Light Blues lost 9-1 on aggregate to Brugge in the play-off.
- The Glaswegian outfit will receive a one-match ban on away ticket sales if a similar incident occurs.
Speaking exclusively to Ibrox News, the ex-FIFA official said: “This is a positive action by Rangers to bring their supporters in line with acceptable behaviour when they support their club. I hope that fans will see that the club is being punished financially, but at risk of much greater sanctions.
“The power of UEFA should not be understated. They will take action with the risk of Rangers being excluded from the competition. Let’s hope that the action by Rangers will lead to a positive result. Fans need to be aware that the club they support is now at great risk of further sanctions.”
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Russell Martin has tough Europa League run
Despite Russell Martin being embarrassed by Brugge, in what was the Gers’ joint-worst defeat in Europe over two legs, he’s still in place to take charge of the upcoming Europa League matches.
Rangers face Genk in their opening group stage fixture of the competition after domestic matches against Hearts and Hibernian.
The Light Blues will also face the likes of Roma, Braga and Porto as they look to qualify for the knockout stages of the competition.
With the Ibrox faithful already disgruntled with ticket prices increasing for Europa League games, the Glaswegian outfit will be expected to put on a show for them.
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