Rangers fans head home after Europa League penalty heartbreak in Seville
Supports who made the trip to Spain say they are gutted but proud of their team
Last updated 19th May 2022
Rangers fans are embarking on the long journey home to Scotland, and places around the world, after a heartbreaking night in Seville as the team came agonisingly close to an historic win in the Europa League.
For twelve minutes Rangers had one hand on the trophy when Joe Arribo put them ahead after 57 minutes play, only for Eintracht Frankfurt to equalise.
It stayed 1-1 through extra time and went to penalties only for Aaron Ramsay to have Rangers fifth spot kick saved.
Rangers fans "gutted"
Supporters watching at the official fan zone set up in a stadium in the north of the city shared their feelings with heat radio News.
"I'm devasted, to be honest, I thought we had a few chances in extra time and could have won it", said one fan.
Another told us: "Absolutely gutted. I'm absolutely proud of the run in Europe but there's no more difficult way to lose than on penalties.
Scottish Cup final still to come
"It's really sore to lose it on penalties but we need to look forward to the Scottish Cup final against Hearts. It'll hurt for a few days but we need to bounce back on Saturday."
His friend agreed: "It would be great to win a trophy this year, I think the guys will be right up for it."
In Glasgow, supporters watching the match on TV at the Clockwork Bar tried to stay positive despite their disappointment.
"I'm still proud of my team," said one fan. "I'm proud of what we what acheived in the last six months in Europe, and please for Giovanni Van Bronkhorst.
"If anything it's an advert for Scottish football and it's shown how good we can be. We can compete with the top clubs, because Frankfurt are a good team."
No trouble in Glasgow
Small groups of fans gathered in George Square in Glasgow following the match, but fears of disturbances in the city centre were unfounded.
Statues in the area had been barricaded and memorial benches packed away in anticipation of crowds of fans making their way into the city centre.
Police regularly patrolled the area throughout the evening.
Political commiserations
Scottish politicians including Anas Sarwar and Douglas Ross were among those to send commiserations to the team.
Scottish Labour leader Mr Sarwar said: "What a tremendous effort by Rangers. While the loss in the final will hurt, they should be proud of the incredible journey."
Scottish Conservative leader Mr Ross said Rangers "deserved to win". He tweeted: "Well played Rangers. Not the result you deserved but you did Scottish football proud this evening."