August 30 – Glasgow Rangers appear to have still not learned their lesson when it comes to sectarian abuse after being found guilty of a second charge by UEFA.
The club has again been ordered to close off a section of their Ibrox ground for their next Europa League home fixture – this time their first in the group stage – following sectarian singing during the playoff first leg against Legia Warsaw in Poland.
Just as they did against Legia in the second leg on Thursday, Rangers will again have to close off 3000 seats. It is the same punishment as UEFA dished out after an earlier qualifying tie against St Joseph’s in July.
It remains unclear whether Legia could also face sanctions after their fans displayed a banner of Pope John Paul II at Ibrox.
Such is the danger of a more serious UEFA ban that Rangers have decided not to apply for any tickets for their first away group match.
“This kind of behaviour has no place at Ibrox, or anywhere else where our many teams appear. Offenders must please stop,” a statement said.
“Those who wish to sing offensive songs must realise by now that they are insulting Rangers players, staff, and fellow fans. There is nothing clever, bold or even defiant in what this small number of supporters are doing.”
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