19.03.2025 16:40
UEFA has opened an investigation into Glasgow Rangers due to a racist banner displayed by some of their fans during the match against Fenerbahçe in the Round of 16 of the Europa League. In a statement regarding the issue, the Scottish club expressed, "It is extremely sad and frankly embarrassing that the club may face significant sanctions due to the actions of a very small minority."
```html
Glasgow Rangers hosted Fenerbahçe in the second leg of the UEFA Europa League Round of 16, and emerged victorious in the penalty shootout. The match that took the Scottish team to the quarter-finals is under scrutiny by UEFA.
INVESTIGATION LAUNCHED AGAINST RANGERS FOR RACISM
Glasgow Rangers has been referred to UEFA due to some of its fans engaging in "racism" during the UEFA Europa League match against Fenerbahçe played at home. In a statement from the Scottish club, it was said, "It is shameful for the club to be accused of such a matter in 2025, and the disdain for those responsible will be shared by the overwhelming majority of our fans."
FULL STATEMENT FROM RANGERS
Glasgow Rangers announced that an investigation has been launched by UEFA due to a racist banner displayed by some of its fans during the Fenerbahçe match. The club's statement included the following remarks;
"Everyone associated with Rangers Football Club has undoubtedly enjoyed the last two weeks, during which our football team has achieved some unforgettable results both domestically and internationally.
The support of Rangers fans played a significant role in these successes, and the world has once again noted the extraordinary passion our fans show for these great events. However, it is extremely sad and frankly embarrassing that the club will face significant sanctions due to the actions of a very small minority.
Initially, the club was charged by UEFA after a handful of fans displayed a banner that UEFA defined as "racist and/or discriminatory" during the match against Fenerbahçe at Ibrox last Thursday.
Rangers is a modern, progressive football club, and we take pride in our diverse squad of players, workforce, and fans. It is shameful for the club to be accused of such a matter in 2025, and the disdain for those responsible will be shared by the overwhelming majority of our fans.
This accusation will have consequences for the club, which will work to identify those responsible and ensure they face the consequences.
To be clear, if you do not believe that everyone should be able to follow Rangers at Ibrox or away in 2025, then Rangers is not the right club for you, and you should immediately sever your ties with the club.
Additionally, the club has also been charged by UEFA for objects thrown during the home match against Fenerbahçe.
This is becoming a regular occurrence not just at Rangers matches, but at all stadiums in Scotland. Indeed, on Sunday, our players and staff were targeted with projectiles at Parkhead.
Focusing on Ibrox, a widely publicized incident occurred during the Old Firm match played in January, and in the last match against Motherwell, one of our fans was injured by an object thrown into the away stand. And now the club is facing sanctions due to the actions of one individual last Thursday night.
There is no place for this senseless and criminal behavior in sport or society. We reiterate, if you believe such behavior is acceptable, then you are not welcome at Rangers matches.
The club will also face UEFA sanctions due to the blocking of stairwells during the Fenerbahçe match. Fans must comply with the advice of officials and police at all matches and take their places to ensure this issue does not happen again.
Finally, despite clear warnings to the contrary, flares were used by two individuals following the Old Firm victory played at Parkhead on Sunday.
This situation poses a risk that, in addition to the 500 fans who will already be unable to attend the match due to flare usage, another 800 of our fans may also be unable to attend the match at Hampden in the latter stages of the Premier Sports Cup.
All of the above behaviors will have consequences for the club and for the fans of the club, either directly or indirectly.
As a club, Rangers will stand by our fans and advocate for their rights and their ability to support the team in the most passionate way possible within the laws and relevant regulations.
However, the club calls on all reasonable fans to wholeheartedly reject any behavior that would tarnish the name of Rangers and to assist the club by opposing any issues that could lead to further punishment by the relevant authorities."
```