Thousands back petition urging Rangers to screen Europa League final at Ibrox

Thousands of Rangers fans are putting their names to an online petition urging the club to show Wednesday night's Europa League final at Ibrox.

The club said on Friday that staffing issues meant they wouldn't be screening the match or arranging a fan-zone for supporters in Glasgow who aren’t making the trip to Seville.

Fan-zone arrangements for those in Seville - but not back home

Tens of thousands of Rangers fans are expected to head to Spain this week as the club plays its first European final since 2008.

On Friday a statement from the club confirmed those without a ticket for the match will be catered for in the Spanish city: “"After dialogue with UEFA, Spanish Police and the local authorities, we can confirm the organisation of a fan viewing area in the Estadio La Cartuja, for those supporters without tickets. Further details will be released by the Stadium Manager in the coming days.

READ MORE: Rangers reveal Europa League final fan zone plans

"There will also be a fan meeting point in Alameda de Hércules for those supporters with a ticket for the final. There will be no public viewing of the game in the fan zone area.”

But the statement went on to confirm it doesn’t have the staffing capacity to provide anything similar back in Glasgow: “Unfortunately, Rangers will not be able to provide a matchday screening at Ibrox stadium.

"The club does not have sufficient staffing resources"

"Whilst we understand the wish for supporters to be able to gather at our home for this momentous occasion, the club does not have sufficient staffing resources to be able to host such a large event due to the number of qualified staff and personnel required to travel to Spain to assist in the safe delivery of the final. We could not safely operate an event of this size without the presence of our safety team, all of whom are required in Spain.”

But a petition on change.org is calling for the club to rethink its position.

Details on the petition read: “As amazing an achievement as it has been for Rangers to reach the Europa League Final, it wouldn't have been possible without the support of the fans who have backed the club through thick and thin in recent years and beyond.

Board urged to do "whatever it takes" to make the event happen

“The fact that the club are seriously considering not beaming one of the club's most significant ever games back to Ibrox for those supporters who cannot afford to go to Seville because they've spent so much money supporting their team through the worst recession since the second World War is hugely disappointing.

“The Rangers board need to do whatever they can to at least try and make sure this event happens as a thank you to the working fans who deserve to commemorate this occasion in a fitting and appropriate manner.”

Rangers take on German Bundesliga side Eintracht Frankfurt in the Europa League final on Wednesday night.

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