'Significant sanctions' Ibrox facing closure with triple UEFA charge

Totally out of character, just before lunchtime today the club from Ibrox issued their strongest ever statement, condemning the actions of supporters that has resulted in three charges from UEFA’s Disciplinary Committee.

While the Scottish authorities say and do nothing about the racism and hate chants heard on a weekly basis UEFA don’t have a secretive agreement to avoid such matters. Today’s club statement warns of significant sanctions.

Three different charges have been raised relating to overcrowding in the stadium, missiles being thrown and a banner that UEFA has deemed as ‘racist and/or discriminatory’.

That final term is the biggest concern for the Ibrox club, six years ago parts of Ibrox were closed after racist (sectarian as they prefer to term it in Scotland) chants and songs were heard in matches against St Joseph’s and Legia Warsaw in Europa League qualifiers.

Those punishments came with a warning that a full stadium closure could be next, depriving the club of £50 plus from 50,000 fans at the April 10 match against Athletic Bilbao.

After praising the team and supporters for recent results the club announced:

It is, however, deeply saddening and frankly embarrassing that the club is now set to face significant sanctions for the actions of a very small minority.

Firstly, the club has been charged by UEFA after a handful of supporters displayed what UEFA describe as a “racist and/or discriminatory banner” at last Thursday’s Ibrox meeting with Fenerbahce.

Rangers is a modern, progressive football club, and we are fiercely proud of our diverse playing squads, workforce and support. For the club to be charged with such a matter in 2025 is shameful, and the disdain for those responsible will be shared by the overwhelming majority of our supporters.

This charge will bring consequences for the club, while the club is also working to identify those responsible and will ensure they also face consequences.

For the avoidance of doubt, if you do not believe in 2025 that absolutely everyone is welcome to follow Rangers whether at Ibrox or away, then Rangers is not the club for you, and you should disassociate yourself with the club immediately.

Further, the club has also been charged by UEFA for the throwing of objects at the home match with Fenerbahce.

This is becoming a regular occurrence, not just at Rangers matches, but across stadia in Scotland. Indeed, our players and staff were targeted with missiles at Parkhead on Sunday.

Focusing on Ibrox, however, there was a widely-reported incident in the January Old Firm game, whilst at the recent game with Motherwell, one of our own supporters was hit and injured by an object thrown towards the away end. And now, the club faces a sanction for the actions of an individual last Thursday night.

This senseless and criminal behaviour has no place in sport, nor in society. Again, if you think such behaviour is acceptable, you are not welcome at Rangers matches.

The club will also face a UEFA sanction for the blocking of passageways at the Fenerbahce match. Supporters are urged to follow the advice of stewards and police at all matches, and to take their own seat to avoid this issue occurring again.

That type of language is very rare from a club that is often seen as being hostage to the Union Bears who are handed a variety of privileges, this season they have been rehoused in the Copland Stand front with hundreds of long standing Season Ticket holders moved to accommodate their brand of support.

There was no comment after the match but now with UEFA on the case the club is suddenly shocked by the actions of the fans that they pander to every week of the year.

Either UEFA are about to hammer the club with at least the closure of a stand or the supposed American consortium carrying out due diligence have realised that they are dealing with the most vile and toxic group of supporters in world soccer.

A partial closure resulting in a loss of revenue and reducing the vocal backing (poison) given to the team would be a major blow for Barry Ferguson and his team.

The stadium closure has been hanging over the club for some time, in September 2019 Sky Sports reported on the second set of sanctions facing the 2012 Tribute Act formed by Charles Green:

Rangers have warned a further charge could lead to a full stadium closure, and have told UEFA they will not request tickets for their next European away match.

The club urged supporters to refrain from taking part in sectarian chanting, saying: “This kind of behaviour has no place at Ibrox, or anywhere else where our many teams appear.

“Offenders must please stop. You are endangering your club. Those who wish to sing offensive songs must realise by now that they are insulting Rangers players, staff, and fellow fans.”

The lack of sanctions by UEFA and the SFA down the years appears to have made the fans bolder as they share their distorted superiority complex with others simply wanting to watch a football match.

Meanwhile Scottish media outlets will be performing gymnastics to include Celtic into this issue, a style of reporting that they are unable to break free from.

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