Rangers to issue lifetime supporter bans after suspended UEFA punishment

Rangers are issuing lifetime bans to the fans responsible for displaying a 'racist and/or discriminatory banner' at the recent Europa League match against Fenerbahce after the club were sanctioned by UEFA.

The Ibrox side have been handed a suspended closure of the Copland Stand should there be any repeat of the behaviour within the next two years.

A banner unfurled by supporters during the last 16 second leg against the Turkish opposition read “keep woke foreign ideologies out".

A Rangers statement said: "This punishment must serve as a severe and significant reminder to the small minority of supporters who bring the name of Rangers into disrepute.

"Any repeat of any discriminatory behaviour (and this also includes the singing of illicit songs) may result in the famed ‘Rangers end’ of our home being closed for a UEFA match.

"Not only will the reputation and finances of the club be harmed by such a punishment, but the chances of the team in a potentially key European match will also suffer enormously, while thousands of innocent fans will be unable to attend a massive fixture.

"In response to the displaying of the racist and/or discriminatory banner at the Fenerbahce game, the club can confirm that it is in the process of issuing lifetime bans to the individuals responsible.

"The strongest asset this football club has is our support, and the club knows the overwhelming majority of our supporters will be angered by these episodes and the consequences they have for the club and its supporters.

"We reiterate our call for all supporters to back the team in the correct manner, and to challenge those who seek to further damage the good name of Rangers."

Rangers have also been charged for pyrotechnics set off at Celtic Park during the recent 3-2 win in the East End of Glasgow.

The club will have a reduction of 500 tickets the next time they appear at Hampden Park in the Premier Sports Cup.

Rangers return to league action this weekend with a trip to Dundee on Saturday evening.

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