Rangers have taken aim at a section of their own supporters after a series of incidents in the past few weeks that have 'embarrassed' the club. Bosses have confirmed that UEFA has charged the Ibrox outfit for a "racist and/or discriminatory" banner displayed during their Europa League match with Fenerbahce earlier this month.
The European football governing body has also charged the club for the throwing of objects in the same match with Rangers also facing sanctions for the blocking of passageways. In a statement, the club said it is expecting punishment after pyrotechnics were let off in the away end during Sunday's Old Firm victory over Celtic at Parkhead.
The 'racism' charge relates to a display unfurled by the Union Bears section of the support during the Fenerbahce match which read: "Keep woke foreign ideologies out – defend Europe". In a blistering statement, the club said: "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.
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"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 said the throwing of objects was "becoming a regular occurrence" all over Scotland, adding players and staff had been targeted with missiles from the Celtic support during Sunday's derby.
It 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." The club also said it expects a further 800 supporters to be locked out of their next match at Hampden after the SFA cut their ticket allocation by 500 following the use of 'pyro' during the Premier Sports Cup at Hampden in December.
The statement concludes: "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."
The incident had prompted fears that Gers could be forced to play the home leg of their Europa League quarter-final with Athletic Bilbao behind closed doors. While a full stadium closure seems unlikely, UEFA has closed part of Ibrox in the past due to the behaviour of fans. It comes against backdrop of an ongoing takeover of the Ibrix club by an American group.
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