We're being undermined, say Rangers as Uefa moves to ban fans

Published on Thursday 7 April 2011 20:37

Rangers Football Club has vowed to fight the threat of a three-match Euro ban being imposed on fans and a "heavy" fine over allegations supporters persistently sang sectarian songs at a Europa League match.

A statement on the club's website vowed to "vigorously" defend the club at a disciplinary hearing for alleged discriminatory chanting by supporters at their tie against PSV Eindhoven in the Netherlands in March.

Chief executive Martin Bain said the club was "utterly dismayed" that European football's governing body Uefa was pursuing it over the allegations, amid reports yesterday that it could face a 100,000 fine or be hit with a ban on fans attending three European away matches.

The Glasgow club has been told it has until next Thursday to submit a defence against the fourth charge it has faced at the hands of Uefa in five years over fans' behaviour.

A Uefa source was yesterday reported to have said it was unlikely Rangers could escape punishment, which could see the club hit financially through a heavy fine and the loss of revenue from a ban on fans attending away European matches.

Mr Bain claimed that there were attempts to "undermine" the club, which he suggested was being singled out by Uefa ahead of the disciplinary hearing in Nyon on 28 April.

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

"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.

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"We are not saying there is not a problem but we are saying that for many years now we have made strenuous attempts to address it.

"We do, however, believe that it is absurd to think that only Rangers supporters sing offensive or sectarian songs.

"That is patently not the case and we are left to conclude that there is a disproportionate focus on Rangers.

"It has also become clear there are people who have been determined to undermine our club at any cost and have constantly lobbied Uefa and other organisations to take action against Rangers."

Uefa said it would take into account previous misdemeanours by Rangers fans when the disciplinary hearing is held, which could mean a heavier penalty being imposed on the club.

A Uefa spokesman said: "For this kind of behaviour and the number of offences which is repeated the fine could be heavy - as much as 150,000 Swiss francs."

But Rangers chief executive Mr Bain claimed that the club had taken action to tackle sectarianism including the singing of offensive chants.

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

The threat of disciplinary action against Rangers comes just weeks after Strathclyde Police took the unprecedented step of asking the Scottish Government to intervene following scenes of violence during an Old Firm Scottish Cup tie.