Rangers have publicly criticised a faction of their fans following recent events that have brought shame to the club. The Glasgow giants are facing UEFA charges for a “racist and/or discriminatory” banner displayed during their Europa League clash with Fenerbahce, as well as for the throwing of objects and blocking stairways at the same fixture. And Rangers also anticipate repercussions after flares were ignited in the away section during their Old Firm triumph over Celtic at Parkhead on Sunday.
The ‘racism’ charge stems from a banner by the Union Bears supporters group during the Fenerbahce game, which stated: “Keep woke foreign ideologies out – defend Europe”. In a scathing statement, the club declared: “Rangers is a modern, progressive football club, and we are fiercely proud of our diverse playing squads, workforce and support. To be charged with such an offence in 2025 is disgraceful, and the contempt for those responsible will be echoed by the vast majority of our fans. This charge will inevitably lead to penalties for the club, and we are also committed to identifying and punishing the individuals involved.
“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 expressed concern over the increasing trend of object-throwing incidents across Scottish football, highlighting that their players and staff were targeted by missiles from Celtic supporters during the recent derby.
The statement added: “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.”
Moreover, the club anticipates that an additional 800 fans will be unable to attend their next match at Hampden due to a reduction in ticket allocation by 500 seats by the SFA, as a consequence of ‘pyro’ used during the Premier Sports Cup at Hampden in December.
The statement from Rangers made it clear that the club will not tolerate behaviour that tarnishes its reputation. The Gers added: “All of the above behaviours will have consequences for the club, and either directly or indirectly, the club’s supporters. Rangers as a club will stand alongside our supporters, and advocate for their rights and their ability to support the team in the most passionate ways possible within the confines of the law and the appropriate regulations.”
“However, the club also calls on all reasonable supporters to wholeheartedly reject any behaviour which brings the name of Rangers into disrepute, and to assist the club by challenging any issues which will lead to the club being punished further by the relevant authorities.”
This stern warning comes amidst concerns that Rangers might have to play their Europa League quarter-final home match against Athletic Bilbao without fans due to previous incidents. Although a complete stadium closure is not expected, UEFA has previously sanctioned parts of Ibrox Stadium following fan misconduct.
This story originally appeared on the Scottish Daily Express