Rangers are facing UEFA sanctions ahead of their Europa League quarter final clash with Athletic Bilbao – but the Ibrox club are not the only ones.
Rangers lambasted supporters for a controversial ‘anti-woke’ banner which was unfurled during the second leg of the club’s Europa League tie with Fenerbahce.
UEFA have branded the banner ‘racist and/or discriminatory’ with Rangers having already suffered two partial stand closures for UEFA matches for ‘sectarian singing’ dating back to 2019.
The Gers have branded the situation an embarrassment with the club’s Ultras section under the microscope for everything from political messaging to the use of pyrotechnics.
But now UEFA have punished Athletic Bilbao for the behaviour of their supporters ahead of the second leg of their Round of 16 Europa League clash with AS Roma.
Athletic Bilbao sanctioned by UEFA after AS Roma clash
Athletic Bilbao have been fined by UEFA for violent fan behaviour ahead of their return leg visit of AS Roma in Spain.
Atheltic overturned a 2-1 defeat in Italy with a 3-1 victory in the Estadio San Mamés to set up a bumper Europa League quarter final tie with Rangers.
As reported by 20 Minutos, 14 people were arrested by the Ertzaintza (Basque Police) whilst 15 Ertzaintza officers, two security guards, and an Italian fan were injured in violent ‘riots’ before the game.
UEFA have acted swiftly, imposing a €34k (£28.4k) fine on Atheltic for two separate incidents during the disruption.
A total of €30k (£25k) has been imposed on Athletic for the lighting of flares whilst a further €4k (£3.3k) fine has been imposed on the club for blocking the exit of a stairway where AS Roma fans were gathered.
Rangers brace for ‘significant’ UEFA sanctions in Europa League
Rangers have confirmed that the club is expecting ‘significant sanctions’ for the behaviour of supporters ahead of the Ibrox leg against Fenerbahce.
Jack Butland was the hero for Rangers on a famous night against Jose Mourinho’s Istanbul side, the Rangers goalkeeper helping the club to a penalty kicks victory after a 2-0 defeat in Glasgow.
Rangers had taken a 3-1 lead into the second fixture after a heroic away day performance in Turkey.
Rangers fans have criticised fellow supporters who indulged in what could prove costly behaviour, with Rangers still awaiting UEFA’s decision on relevant sanctions.
In a statement to fans, Rangers said:
“Everyone associated with Rangers Football Club will undoubtedly have enjoyed the last fortnight, with the men’s first-team producing some memorable results at home and abroad.
“Contributing enormously to these occasions has been the backing of the Rangers supporters, with the world once again taking note of the phenomenal passion the club’s fans bring to these big occasions.
“It is, however, deeply saddening and frankly embarrassing that the club is now set to face significant sanctions for the actions of a very small minority.“
Rangers are set to welcome Athletic Bilbao to Ibrox for the first leg of the Europa League quarter final clash on April 10th with the return tie a week later on April 17th.
