Rangers await UEFA verdict

28 April 2011 08:30

UEFA's control and disciplinary body will rule on Thursday afternoon on two charges of "discriminatory behaviour" by Rangers supporters during this season's Europa League campaign.

The Ibrox club were reported to UEFA by independent organisation Football Against Racism in Europe (FARE) for alleged sectarian chanting by fans at both legs of their round of 16 tie against PSV Eindhoven in March.

The Scottish champions are vigorously defending the charges, although they are not entitled to appear at the hearing, which will take place at UEFA's headquarters in Nyon.

If found guilty, Rangers could face a sanction ranging from a substantial fine to the closure of Ibrox for European games next season, or even a suspension.

Chief executive Martin Bain has compiled a written submission, pointing out that UEFA's own match delegates who attended the fixtures in March did not call for any charges to be brought.

The club have expressed concern that previous charges against the club's supporters in recent years could count against them - but will highlight the anti-sectarian work carried out.

In 2006, the Ibrox club were fined £13,300 for discriminatory chanting by fans in a Champions League round of 16 tie against Villarreal and a further £9,000 for an attack on the Spanish team's bus.

The following year they were fined more than £8,000 because of crowd disorder at a UEFA Cup tie against Osasuna in Spain and in 2009, they received an £18,000 fine for crowd trouble during a Champions League match against Unirea Urziceni in Bucharest.

Bain had said he was "astounded" when Rangers were hit with the charges, alleging there was a "deliberate and targeted" campaign against the club and, while not denying the sectarian problem among a section of its support, was unhappy at the role of FARE in forcing UEFA to act.

Source: PA