Kieran Maguire slams ‘chaotic decision making’ amid ‘ridiculous’ Rangers fiasco
The French authorities are guilty of “chaotic decision making” in their handling of Lyon’s meeting with Rangers on Thrusday (9 December).
So says finance guru Kieran Maguire, speaking exclusively to Football Insider about the Europa League clash which ended 1-1 in southern France
The match itself was a dead rubber with both teams guaranteed passage to the knockout rounds, but the build-up was marred by off-pitch turmoil.
Lyon announced earlier this week that Rangers fans would not be allowed to travel to watch the Group A encounter because of policing concerns.
But after Rangers released a condemnatory statement on Monday (6 December), officials pulled a U-turn.
Maguire slammed the French bureaucrats who made the original decision before being forced to back down.
“It’s indicative of fairly chaotic decision making in France,” he told Football Insider correspondent Adam Williams.
“The Rangers fans bought tickets, flights and accommodation in good faith. To be told this, therefore, is daft.
“You can understand their frustration. If I was a Rangers fan, I’m sure I would feel exactly the same.
“We have all been through 18 months of pretty unenjoyable life as a result of Covid, and football has been one of the only outlets for fun.
“For the authorities to have briefly taken that away by making decisions it seems on the hoof is pretty ridiculous.”
Rangers will learn their opponents for the Europa League last-16 tomorrow (13 December).
Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side have today beaten Hearts 2-0 to maintain their lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership.
In other news, ex-manager suggest Joe Aribo could be in line for “Manchester” move after update.