AliousRangers supporters are confronting significant repercussions following an incident where a group unfurled a contentious banner during their Europa League clash with Fenerbahce earlier this month.
Under Barry Ferguson’s leadership, the team secured a dramatic penalty shootout victory over the Turkish side, advancing to the quarter-finals where they are set to meet Athletic Bilbao next month, vying for a semi-final berth.
However, the triumph has been overshadowed by disciplinary action from UEFA, which charged Rangers after a small number of fans displayed a banner deemed “racist and/or discriminatory” during the Fenerbahce match at Ibrox.
In response, the club has announced it is actively issuing lifetime bans to those responsible. This follows UEFA’s ruling that the Copland Stand will face closure for one European match if a similar incident occurs within the next two years.
Finance expert Stefan Borson, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, described UEFA’s view of the episode as a “serious” violation by the implicated fans.
Alongside the potential stand closure, Rangers have been slapped with a £25,000 fine for the banner, with additional penalties of £5,000 for obstructing stadium passageways and £3,755 for objects thrown during the same fixture.
Borson labeled the lifetime bans as “harsh,” noting to Football Insider that clubs wield considerable authority over entry refusals. He explained, “Clubs have wide discretion on barring individuals.
I’ve seen cases where people charged with disorder by police, but not convicted, still faced bans. Clubs treat these matters with gravity—there’s usually an internal appeal process, but no external recourse. If the club imposes a lifetime ban, that’s final unless someone sneaks in with another’s ticket, risking further bans for those ticket holders.”
He added that while appealing to the club is an option, the punishment for a banner feels severe, especially given UEFA’s inconsistent stance on what constitutes a “serious offence” compared to past leniency on issues like racism.
Meanwhile, Football Insider reported on March 27 that Rangers are eyeing a bold managerial shift, targeting RB Leipzig’s Marco Rose, who is under scrutiny at the Bundesliga club—currently sixth after a fourth-place finish last season.
The prospective new Rangers ownership, 49ers Enterprises, shares ties with Red Bull, a key investor in Leeds United, potentially smoothing the path for Rose’s arrival after his three-year stint in Germany.
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