Rangers fans blocked from entering Lyon Europa League clash
French officials say the initial allocation of 2,200 will now not be honoured
French officials have made a last-minute call to block Rangers supporters from entering their Europa League clash with Lyon.
The sides are due to meet at the Groupama Stadium on Thursday night in their final group game, with the Ibrox side being told last week that 2,200 supporters would be accommodated.
However, Rangers have now received communication from the French Minister of the Interior to say away fans won't be allowed inside the ground.
They have been told policing resources and city infrastructure will be tested by a local 'festival of light' taking place this week.
It's a decision that Rangers are calling 'bemusing' and 'extremely frustrating'.
A club statement said: "We regret to inform our travelling support that, within the last hour, we have been notified by the French Minister of the Interior, that away fans including corporate guests will not be admitted on Thursday night to the Groupama Stadium in Lyon, France.
"We understand that there is a “festival of light” planned in the city which will test the policing resource and city infrastructure. As you are aware, we previously underlined to our support that the local authorities in France were being intransigent and initially unwilling to engage.
"However, only late last week they agreed that we could have 2200 supporters admitted. The decision to reverse this is bemusing, and extremely frustrating, given the short notice. It beggars belief that 3 days after that decision was taken and 3 days before the match is due to be played, it is our supporters who are now going to be left out of pocket by this decision by the French interior minister.
"We empathise with the feeling of supporters, who have made travel plans months in advance. Furthermore, we were allocated tickets several weeks ago, which adds further confusion to the most recent decision to not admit our fans.
"Rest assured, we have made representations to UEFA, OL and the French authorities. However, regrettably, this situation is now out with our control.
"Nevertheless, we are duty bound to ask all supporters including corporate guests to not travel to France.
"We appreciate the frustration of our support, and will work to ensure a refund for tickets is processed forthwith."