Europa League

Rangers ordered to close section of Ibrox over sectarian chants

| 30 August 2019

Rangers ordered to close section of Ibrox over sectarian chants

A section of Ibrox will be shut off to spectators during their first home Europa League group fixture.

Rangers have been ordered to close a 3,000-seat section for their first Europa League group game against Feyenoord at Ibrox as punishment for sectarian chanting against Legia Warsaw last week.

The Light Blues gave up the same number of seats for Thursday night’s second leg against the Polish club after UEFA found the Glasgow outfit’s supporters guilty of singing sectarian songs during their opening qualifier with St Joseph’s last month.

In a statement, the governing body said: “The Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body has decided to order a partial closure of the Rangers FC stadium during the next one (1) UEFA competition match in which Rangers FC will play as the host club, for the racist behaviour of its supporters.

A UEFA Equal Game banner in a closed section of the stands ahead of the second leg against Legia Warsaw (Jane Barlow/PA)

“Rangers FC shall inform UEFA of the sector(s) to be closed, which shall at least comprehend 3,000 seats.

“The Scottish club is ordered to display a banner with the wording “#EqualGame”, with the UEFA logo on it.”

Rangers have already announced they will not take up their ticket allocation for their next European trip in an attempt to stave off a potential full stadium closure, and said in a statement on Friday night that would come in to play when they visit Young Boys on October 3.

Ibrox chiefs put the blame for the St Joseph’s chants on the Union Bears fan group.

Their section of the ground at the front of the Broomloan Road Stand – plus two others in the Club Deck at the top of the Bill Struth Main Stand – lay empty as Steven Gerrard’s team sealed qualification to the group stage for the second year running with a late 1-0 win over Legia, courtesy of Alfredo Morelos’ winner.

But Gerrard felt the display put on by the supporters during the match was proof they have mended their ways.

He said: “I thought the fan’s behaviour last night was outstanding. If that continues it gives a real positive image to the club.”