UEFA open case against Rangers

07 April 2011 10:00

UEFA have confirmed Rangers face disciplinary action over alleged discriminatory chanting.

The club's fans have been reported for chants during their Europa League last-16 first-leg tie against PSV Eindhoven on March 10.

A UEFA spokesman said: "There is a disciplinary case open against Rangers. It will be discussed on April 28 by the control and disciplinary committee in Nyon."

Rangers vowed to defend themselves "vigorously" against the UEFA charge as they claim they have been unfairly singled out.

In a statement on the club's official website, Rangers chief executive Martin Bain said: "We are utterly dismayed to be informed by UEFA that it is to take disciplinary action against the club.

"We will defend the club's position vigorously at the hearing which is scheduled for later this month.

"UEFA has already made clear in previous disciplinary hearings that sanctions against Rangers have been mitigated by the extensive work the club does to tackle sectarianism.

"A high-ranking UEFA delegation also described our club as exemplars of best practice in this area and only a few weeks ago the First Minister complimented us on the efforts we make as a club.

"Our position regarding sectarian and offensive singing has been made clear time and again - we condemn it and those who indulge in it only damage the interests of the club.

"We have worked closely with our supporters groups to try to deal with this issue and believe that few other clubs make as big an effort to tackle anti-social behaviour."

Source: PA