By David Gold
April 28 – Rangers were fined €40,000 (£36,000/$59,000) and their fans banned from the club’s next European away game following the behaviour of its supporters during a Europa League match earlier this season.
Sectarian chanting from Rangers fans during their 0-0 draw at PSV Eindhoven in March led to the Scottish club facing a charge from UEFA, who issued the ruling on its website.
It said that Rangers would be “restricted from selling any tickets to its supporters for two away matches in UEFA club competition”.
The second game is suspended for three years, during which time the club is under a probationary period after previous warnings about such chants.
The club insist that it condemns sectarian chanting and is considering an appeal, but this was the fourth case they have had in five seasons.
Rangers chief executive Martin Bain said: “We are bitterly disappointed our club has been placed in a position where we are subjected to these kind of sanctions by UEFA.
“We will consider our position when we receive the written reasons for the decision which are expected in a week or so.
“The club put its own case very forcibly to UEFA and the more draconian sanctions that were recommended by the disciplinary inspector have been mitigated to a degree.
“To be clear we condemn sectarianism and there is no doubt the mindless behaviour of an element of our support has exposed the club to a very serious situation.
“The people who engage in this type of behaviour are damaging the club they claim to support.”
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