AliousRangers clinched a dramatic victory over Fenerbahce to advance to the Europa League quarter-finals after an unforgettable night at Ibrox, though the triumph was tainted by off-field incidents.
The Light Blues suffered a 2-0 defeat in the second leg, leveling the aggregate score at 3-3 and forcing a penalty shootout, which Barry Ferguson’s team won 3-2 to move forward.
However, the celebration was dampened when UEFA leveled charges against Rangers for a banner they labeled as carrying a “racist and/or discriminatory” message, alongside reports of objects being thrown from the stands.
Heading into the matchup as underdogs, Rangers had previously traveled to Fenerbahce and stunned Jose Mourinho’s squad with a 3-1 win, giving them a solid advantage ahead of the home leg.
Although the return match in Govan didn’t unfold as hoped, they still managed to pull through. On the pitch, it was a success, but off it, Rangers issued a statement in response to the UEFA charges, condemning the actions of some fans and reinforcing their identity as an inclusive club.
In the Daily Record’s print edition (24 March, pg 39), Keith Jackson weighed in on whether Rangers were justified in addressing their supporters’ behavior, writing, “Definitely, and it’s overdue. But targeting this particular banner seems odd—it was so cryptic and clumsily worded.
What was it trying to say?”
As Rangers look to the future, optimism is brewing with the 49ers Enterprises nearing the completion of their takeover of Ibrox by the season’s close.
The incoming owners are expected to pour substantial resources into the squad and club operations, aiming to restore Rangers’ prominence in a more enduring manner.
Barry Ferguson’s strong performance as interim manager has sparked discussions about his suitability for the permanent job, though rumors suggest the 49ers might opt for a more experienced figure of their own selection.
Despite these promising changes, the need to address off-field punishments likely feels like a distraction for the club, making their firm stance on the matter understandable.
With no other major objectives left this season, pushing further in the Europa League represents a critical opportunity to redeem a largely disappointing year at Ibrox.
As they prepare to face Athletic Bilbao in the upcoming round, Rangers will depend heavily on their fans’ full support to inject some much-needed positivity into the campaign’s final stretch.
Alious
