Rangers fans banned by UEFA

28 April 2011 19:30

UEFA have imposed a two-match away ban - one of which is suspended - on Rangers fans after the club were found guilty of charges relating to discriminatory behaviour by their supporters.

The Scottish champions were also fined 40,000 euro (£35,558) by UEFA's control and disciplinary body as a result of the actions of fans at the away leg of the Europa League tie against PSV Eindhoven. Rangers, who were not permitted to make a personal representation at the hearing, have three days to appeal the sanctions.

A statement from UEFA confirmed: "The UEFA control and disciplinary body meeting in Nyon has confirmed the following sanctions against Rangers FC after the two legs against PSV Eindhoven in the UEFA Europa League round of 16."

It added: "Following a charge of discriminatory behaviour at the first leg match against PSV Eindhoven on March 10, 2011, Rangers FC have been fined 40,000 euro and the club is restricted from selling any tickets to its supporters for two away matches in UEFA club competitions (with the respective home clubs also not authorised to sell tickets to Rangers FC supporters).

"This ban applies to Rangers FC's next away match and is suspended for the second away match for a probationary period of three years. The control and disciplinary body also fined the Scottish club a further 40,000 euro for discriminatory behaviour at the second leg match on March 17 and ordered Rangers FC to play their next home UEFA club competition match behind closed doors.

"This sanction is however deferred for a probationary period of three years. An appeal by the club must be made within three days of the dispatch of the reasoned decision."

Rangers were also fined the same amount and ordered to play their next home UEFA match behind closed doors for the same offence in the home leg, although that sanction was also deferred for a probationary period of three years.

Rangers chief executive Martin Bain said the club were considering whether to appeal the sanctions. He also reiterated "serious concerns" about the evidence compiled by FARE, the organisation who submitted the report to UEFA highlighting the behaviour of Rangers fans.

Bain said in a statement: "We are bitterly disappointed that our club has been placed in a position where we are subjected to these kind of sanctions by UEFA. We will consider our position when we receive the written reasons for the decision which are expected in a week or so.

"The club put its own case very forcibly to UEFA and the more draconian sanctions that were recommended by the disciplinary inspector have been mitigated to a degree. To be clear, we condemn sectarianism and there is no doubt the mindless behaviour of an element of our support has exposed the club to a very serious situation."

Source: PA