Rangers fans voice fears on reputation

The Rangers Supporters Trust has expressed fears that the club's reputation across Europe will be badly damaged if they are forced to play matches behind closed doors.

The Scottish champions are facing UEFA disciplinary charges resulting from both legs of their Europa League tie against PSV Eindhoven.

On both occasions, the club were reported on the basis of submissions from the Football Against Racism in Europe organisation rather than the UEFA match delegate.

RST chairman Stephen Smith said: "It will be highly damaging, not just in terms of the financial cost to the club , but also in terms of reputation.

"This is a major concern because what you are being invited to believe is that watching football with Rangers fans is the worst, most unpleasant, racist and sectarian experience you will have in Europe."

The RST have backed FARE's mission of tackling discrimination in football, but have demanded to see evidence that Rangers are not the only club being targeted. Smith added: "All we are looking for is equality, consistency and transparency. We are not defending the indefensible but we want everybody to be treated in exactly the same way."