Unirea charged by Uefa action for poor organisation of Rangers fans

Published on Friday 6 November 2009 22:59

UEFA has begun disciplinary proceedings against Unirea Urziceni after crowd trouble marred their Champions League clash with Rangers on Wednesday.

Rangers have already been charged over the improper conduct of their supporters during the 1-1 draw in Bucharest.

But the Romanians are now also under investigation over a "lack of organisation" regarding the entry procedure for spectators.

The governing body's control and disciplinary body will deal with both cases next Thursday, 12 November.

Rangers player Steven Naismith has condemned the crowd trouble which marred the match, saying that the actions of a minority of supporters detracted from the performance of the team as they earned a 1-1 draw against the Romanian champions.

Rangers chief executive Martin Bain claims the trouble was triggered by poor organisation at the Steaua Stadium and over-zealous policing and has vowed to argue a strong case.

Bain's explanation for the crowd trouble was also backed by Superintendent Mike Dean of Strathclyde Police, who was helping to co-ordinate security at the ground. However, if Uefa does decide to impose sanctions, the Scottish champions could face a fine or even be forced to play behind closed doors – a scenario Naismith would be completely unfamiliar with.

"I've never played in a game in a big stadium behind closed doors in such a big competition," he said.

"I wouldn't know what it's like to be honest.

"It was disappointing to see what went on the other night and everybody at the club definitely does not condone it.

"It's not nice to see and I think everybody associated with the club is disappointed with what went on.

"It maybe took a wee bit away from the performance."

Manager Walter Smith was asked about the potential repercussions but replied: "I don't know whether there will be any.

"We've made a submission to Uefa and they obviously have their own ideas about what happened.

"We will have to wait until they have had their meeting next week before we can pre-empt any judgment.

"That's where we sit at the moment.

"The club have made a submission to Uefa as far as I'm aware at the present moment, which they will obviously look at.

"As far as I'm concerned, I don't know a great deal about the background to the whole thing yet. That's where the club stands at the moment."

Uefa has suggested it will take Rangers' previous conduct into account when deciding whether to take any action.

The Ibrox club were fined 13,300 for supporters' discriminatory chanting and 9,000 for attacking their opponents' team bus during an away game against Villarreal in 2006.

The following year, they were fined 8,280 on an improper conduct charge for fans' behaviour at an away UEFA Cup game against Osasuna.

Supporters have also been in trouble with police, with the rioting during last year's UEFA Cup final in Manchester against Zenit St Petersburg regarded as one of the most shameful episodes in the club's recent history.

The latest episode is unlikely to be looked on favourably by Uefa chiefs when they convene.