Rangers unleash on Union Bears after 'discriminatory' banner lands UEFA charge as Celtic pyro runs SPFL risk

Rangers unleash on Union Bears after 'discriminatory' banner lands UEFA charge as Celtic pyro runs SPFL risk

The club didn't hold back after a series of fan incidents leave the club counting the cost

Fans of Rangers hold up a banner during the UEFA Europa League Round of 16 second Leg match between Rangers and Fenerbahce at Ibrox (Image: Getty Images )

Rangers have released a furious statement on a Union Bears display after the club were charged by UEFA.

Ibrox chiefs have called out the ultras group who were responsible for the banner displayed during the Europa League quarter-final second leg against Fenerbahce last week.

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The display, unveiled in the second half, read: "Keep woke foreign ideologies out. Defend Europe."

The club have confirmed they have been charged by European football's governing body over the fan display.

The Premiership side have unveiled a wave of sanctions facing the club in recent weeks - with the club facing another UEFA charge for fans blocking passageways of supporters while also risking a further cut to their Premier Sports Cup allocation for pyrotechnics displays at Celtic Park on Sunday.

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The statement read: "Everyone associated with Rangers football club will undoubtedly have enjoyed the last fortnight, with the men’s first-team producing some memorable results at home and abroad.

"Contributing enormously to these occasions has been the backing of the Rangers supporters, with the world once again taking note of the phenomenal passion the club’s fans bring to these big occasions.

"It is, however, deeply saddening and frankly embarrassing that the club is now set to face significant sanctions for the actions of a very small minority.

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"Firstly, the club has been charged by UEFA after a handful of supporters displayed what UEFA describe as a “racist and/or discriminatory banner” at last Thursday’s Ibrox meeting with Fenerbahce.

"Rangers is a modern, progressive football club, and we are fiercely proud of our diverse playing squads, workforce and support. For the club to be charged with such a matter in 2025 is shameful, and the disdain for those responsible will be shared by the overwhelming majority of our supporters.

"This charge will bring consequences for the club, while the club is also working to identify those responsible and will ensure they also face consequences.

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"For the avoidance of doubt, if you do not believe in 2025 that absolutely everyone is welcome to follow Rangers whether at Ibrox or away, then Rangers is not the club for you, and you should disassociate yourself with the club immediately.

"Further, the club has also been charged by UEFA for the throwing of objects at the home match with Fenerbahce.

"This is becoming a regular occurrence, not just at Rangers matches, but across stadia in Scotland. Indeed, our players and staff were targeted with missiles at Parkhead on Sunday.

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"Focusing on Ibrox, however, there was a widely-reported incident in the January Old Firm game, whilst at the recent game with Motherwell, one of our own supporters was hit and injured by an object thrown towards the away end. And now, the club faces a sanction for the actions of an individual last Thursday night.

"This senseless and criminal behaviour has no place in sport, nor in society. Again, if you think such behaviour is acceptable, you are not welcome at Rangers matches.

"The club will also face a UEFA sanction for the blocking of passageways at the Fenerbahce match. Supporters are urged to follow the advice of stewards and police at all matches, and to take their own seat to avoid this issue occurring again.

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"Lastly, and despite clear warnings to the contrary, pyrotechnics were used by two individuals following Sunday’s Old Firm victory at Parkhead.

Rangers fans celebrate after defeating Celtic (Image: SNS Group )

"This runs the risk of an additional 800 of our supporters being unable to attend a match in the latter stages of the Premier Sports Cup at Hampden, in addition to the 500 that will already miss out as a result of the use of pyrotechnics.

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"All of the above behaviours will have consequences for the club, and either directly or indirectly, the club’s supporters.

"Rangers as a club will stand alongside our supporters, and advocate for their rights and their ability to support the team in the most passionate ways possible within the confines of the law and the appropriate regulations.

"However, the club also calls on all reasonable supporters to wholeheartedly reject any behaviour which brings the name of Rangers into disrepute, and to assist the club by challenging any issues which will lead to the club being punished further by the relevant authorities."

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