UEFA ‘could ban fans’ in Rangers Europa League clash after violent incident
UEFA may ban traveling fans from attending Rangers’ Europa League last-16 match after violent incidents this week.
Philippe Clement and his Ibrox squad will learn their opponents for the first knockout round later on Friday (21 February).
On Thursday night, Bodo/Glimt defeated FC Twente, and Fenerbahce triumphed over Anderlecht, meaning Rangers will face either the Norwegian side or the Turkish club in the last-16 fixtures on March 6 and 13.
However, following disturbances in the stands on Thursday, there’s a possibility that Rangers supporters could have Ibrox to themselves.
Fenerbahce’s away supporters could face a UEFA ban for the match against Rangers or Olympiakos. Fenerbahce’s away clash at Anderlecht on Thursday was halted for 15 minutes after serious trouble broke out among the fans.
Reports on social media indicated that fights erupted in the home section after Fenerbahce supporters, seated there, celebrated Youssef En-Nesyri’s fourth-minute goal.
Fenerbahce players and stewards attempted to control the situation before riot police were called in.
Rangers will play either Fenerbahce or Bodo/Glimt in the upcoming Europa League round, and if they draw Fenerbahce, former FIFA and Premier League official Keith Hackett suggests there is a strong chance away fans will be banned from Ibrox due to their behavior in Belgium.
“UEFA will view the delay of 15 minutes for violent behavior as very serious,” Hackett told Ibrox News.
“The UEFA Match Delegate will have video and photographic evidence to support their detailed report back to UEFA, and match officials will submit their own reports as well.
They will look into seat allocation and how tickets might have been sold to both sets of fans.
UEFA usually ensures a significant gap between home and away supporters, often leaving empty seats between them, with stewards positioned to create a barrier.”
Hackett added: “A 15-minute delay also puts significant pressure on broadcasters.”
UEFA to hold talks with Rangers Hackett continued: “With the reports and evidence available, UEFA will hold a disciplinary meeting. In the past, they have banned away supporters from attending matches.
I remember refereeing a Real Madrid match in Valencia due to a stadium ban, and their home game was relocated to another venue in Spain.
“I’ve also been in a UEFA game where concerns over safety led to the Dutch team being taken to Athens airport, and the following Greece vs. Netherlands game was held in Rhodes with fewer than 3,000 spectators allowed to attend.”
“There’s a high likelihood that if Rangers face Fenerbahce, their Europa League game will be played without away supporters.
I’m certain Rangers’ management will be fully informed to make the necessary security arrangements for the match.”
Rangers or Olympiakos will play either Fenerbahce or Bodo/Glimt in the Europa League last-16 in March.
