Smith warns fans

Published on Saturday 5 May 2007 01:06

RANGERS manager Walter Smith has urged fans to be on their best behaviour at today's Old Firm derby in a bid to avoid further punishment from UEFA.

The Ibrox club were fined 8,280 following the actions of their supporters at the UEFA Cup tie against Osasuna in Pamplona in March. Footage of fans singing sectarian songs was posted on the YouTube website despite efforts by Rangers and fans' groups to stamp out bigotry at matches.

The incident came less than 12 months after Rangers were fined 13,000 for discriminatory chanting at a Champions League tie against Villarreal and club officials are aware they could face far more serious sanctions for any future offences.

The visit of Celtic in the final Old Firm game of the season is likely to be scrutinised by UEFA, and Smith is keen for supporters to prove they have finally learned their lesson.

He said: "We have made it quite clear what Rangers' stance is for a number of seasons now, it's just been highlighted recently by the UEFA thing. It still remains in place. Everybody at Rangers has to be aware of that and the consequences if they continue to break it. It's not just the Rangers and Celtic game where that comes into focus, it will be every match from now on."

Smith added: "Rangers and Celtic fans, over a period of years now, have always behaved. There have not been a great deal of problems in and around the stadiums which is the only bit we can really comment on."

Osasuna were penalised 31,050 for a lack of organisation and insufficient segregation of supporters after Rangers fans complained of heavy-handed policing at the last-16 match.

The verdict was welcomed by Smith, who said: "It shows UEFA now have concerns about policing aspects abroad, as well as here. The stuff which happened in Spain and the stuff that happened to Manchester United when they were in Rome, you don't see happening in Britain because the grounds are well segregated and well policed. It's only right that some of the blame should be apportioned to the club responsible. That's natural."