Bain expresses FARE concerns

29 April 2011 11:30

Rangers chief executive Martin Bain has again expressed concerns about the Football Against Racism in Europe (FARE) organisation, accusing the group of being influenced by those intent on damaging the club.

Bain spoke out after the Scottish champions were fined a total of 80,000 euros (£71,200) and their fans were banned from the club's next away match in Europe.

Bain said in a statement: "In terms of the UEFA case brought against us, we have had serious concerns about the integrity of the evidence compiled by the FARE organisation and that remains the case. We are also of the opinion that FARE has been influenced by people who make it their business to damage our club in any way they can."

The UEFA charges related to discriminatory behaviour by Rangers supporters during both legs of the Europa League tie against PSV Eindhoven last month.

Rangers were fined an equal amount for both offences and handed a suspended ban on fans attending a second away game, plus the knowledge they will play a home match behind closed doors if fans repeat the offence within three years.

Bain added: "We are committed to the eradication of sectarianism and believe it would have been more constructive for FARE to work with our club rather than against it.

"Instead, they submitted evidence to UEFA with a clear objective in mind and have shown a complete lack of transparency or accountability when asked for clarification on various aspects of that evidence."

However, FARE denied any bias against Rangers and accused Bain of stoking a feeling of victimisation among the club's supporters.

In a statement released to Press Association Sport, Howard Holmes, chair of the FARE board, said: "We note the comments made by Martin Bain, Rangers CEO, after the hearing in Nyon.

"It is disappointing to see a major European club continue to question the motivation of a body such as FARE in submitting legitimate observer reports at two European games. The FARE network has a long track record in the area of tackling discrimination and developing initiatives to encourage social inclusion."

Source: PA