- Rangers fans held a sign that asked to ‘defend Europe’ in their clash last week
- UEFA have since charged Rangers, while the club hit out at the fans involved
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Rangers have been charged by UEFA over a ‘discriminatory’ banner displayed during their recent Europa League clash.
During their penalty shootout victory over Fenerbahce at Ibrox, home fans showed the sign which read: ‘Keep woke foreign ideologies out – defend Europe’.
The governing body have since come forward and labelled the banner as ‘racist and/or discriminatory’, while Rangers have condemned the fans who unfurled it.
In a statement, the club said it was ‘deeply saddening and frankly embarrassing that the club is now set to face significant sanctions for the actions of a very small minority’.
‘Rangers is a modern, progressive football club and we are fiercely proud of our diverse playing squads, workforce and support,’ the club added.
‘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.
Rangers have been charged by UEFA after their supporters revealed a banner which read: ‘Keep woke foreign ideologies out – defend Europe’
The club then released a statement which hit out at the supporters involved in the stunt
‘This charge will bring consequences for the club, while the club are 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.’
The club have said that they are working to identify those responsible for the banner.
Meanwhile, UEFA have also charged the Scottish side for the throwing of objects which their fans also did during the clash with Turkish side Fenerbahce.
The statement continued: ‘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.’
Rangers managed to win the penalty shootout and qualify for the tournament’s quarter-finals
Despite the chaos that ensued on the night, Rangers managed to emerge victorious from their shootout with Fenerbahce and will play Athletic Club in the next round.
A third charge, from the same game, relates to the block of passageways.
The club said: ‘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.’
