Rangers on the defensive after Uefa charges club over fans' misconduct

Published on Thursday 5 November 2009 21:27

RANGERS football club was last night charged with the improper conduct of its supporters following the disturbances during the Champions League match against Romanian side Unirea Urziceni.

The case will now be dealt with by Uefa's control and disciplinary body next Thursday.

European football's governing body had been awaiting their official delegate's report before deciding what action to take over the supporter unrest which marred Wednesday's 1-1 Group G draw in Bucharest.

Television pictures showed a number of Rangers fans clashing with Romanian police in the stands, while one supporter was seen to rip out a seat.

Police used CS gas spray during what Rangers Supporters Assembly chief Andy Kerr last night described as a "minor incident".

Responding to the charge, chief executive Martin Bain said: "We have been informed by Uefa that disciplinary proceedings have been instigated in relation to the throwing of missiles and crowd disturbances.

"As already stated, I am not for a moment condoning the action of some supporters to the unfolding of events within the stadium.

"But, as a club, the preparations which were agreed and insisted upon in advance were not adhered to and this in turn we feel jeopardised the safety of our supporters."

Reiterating his belief that over-zealous policing was partly to blame for the trouble, Mr Bain added: "We are fully aware of the indiscriminate use of CS gas and the difficulties experienced by our fans accessing the stadium.

"All these factors will be presented fully by the club to Uefa in our submission."

Speaking yesterday before charges were brought, Uefa's director of communications Rob Faulkner admitted the reason for the clashes required further investigation.

"As far as we can establish at the moment, it seems there were a number of Rangers supporters who came late into the stadium and we need to find out why," Mr Faulkner said.

"Then there was an issue about where they were going to sit because, apparently, there were banners already placed there which resulted in the request to remove some banners, which seems to have ended in a clash between stewards and some supporters."

Mr Bain last night condemned the "unacceptable" behaviour of some fans, but he claimed a promise that four turnstiles would be open for visiting supporters was not kept.

When questioned over Mr Bain's concerns over turnstile access, Mr Faulkner said: "If that's the case, definitely we will look at it. If that is the case, it will be taken into account."

Wednesday's disturbances mirror similar troubles at a Rangers fixture against Spanish club Osasuna in 2007 where Mr Bain also blamed heavy-handed policing for the off-field turmoil.

Fans also marred the 2008 Uefa Cup final in Manchester when riots resulted in 15 injured policemen and 42 arrests.