Police Scotland to have say as fans set to be banned for upcoming Rangers and Celtic games
Rangers and Celtic are both competing in the Europa League this season after their failed Champions League attempts.
Russell Martin’s side were unable to find salvation against Genk, with Mohamed Diomande sent off in the 1-0 defeat.
Celtic, on the other hand, managed to secure a point away to Crvena Zvezda, with Kelechi Iheanacho on the scoresheet.
Now, the Glasgow duo are likely to have a large section of empty seats for their upcoming European matches, with Police Scotland set to intervene.
This article contains exclusive opinion from former FIFA referee Keith Hackett.
Roma fans to be banned from attending Rangers and Celtic games
Rangers supporters made their feelings clear against Genk and are understandably disillusioned by their team’s performances.
The Gers and Celtic will both face Roma in the Europa League, but the Serie A club are set to have no fans in attendance after recent violence in the competition.
UEFA could impose travel restrictions, potentially banning Roma fans from following the team to certain overseas matches, after they rioted in midweek ahead of the Nice game.
Supporters are ready to accept their feat, according to Corriere dello Sport on 26 September.
- Roma were fined for fan behaviour against Eintracht Frankfurt last season
- There were clashes in Bilbao in March
- In April, there was fan trouble before the Rome derby
Sharing his thoughts on that update, Hackett exclusively told Ibrox News: “It is always disappointing when loyal and respectable fans who behave themselves are penalised by the minority, some of whom will not be proper football fans.
“For safety reasons and to prevent the image of the game that we love from being tarnished, UEFA will, through its disciplinary process, have reviewed the matter and appear to have come up with this solution.
“This blanket ban, if applied, I suggest, is made on safety grounds. Both clubs and the police will have been involved in the discussions leading up to this outcome.
“I recall years ago a game, which I was officiating, Greece vs the Netherlands, being switched from Athens to Rhodes on safety grounds. That was done less than 24 hours before kick-off.“
What happened when Roma met Nice in the Europa League?
Before Rangers blundered to their first Europa League defeat under Martin, Roma secured a 2-1 victory away at Nice.
However, their victory was overshadowed by violent events that unfolded in the French city on Wednesday night.
Fans of the Italian side rioted against police, with knives, rocks, knuckle dusters and hammers all confiscated.
It has been reported that French police made over 100 arrests, while some of those facing charges could face a five-year prison sentence.
With their supporters set to be banned, Rangers and Celtic supporters can elevate the noise at their respective grounds.
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