Rangers face Ibrox closure – ‘I’m amazed, this worries me’
Rangers have been threatened with the closure of the Copland Stand for one European game after controversy in their clash with Fenerbahce last month.
The Ibrox club were charged by Uefa after a handful of supporters displayed what it described as a “racist and/or discriminatory banner” against Fenerbahce.
Uefa have now confirmed the Copland Stand will be shut for one game if there is a repeat offence in a European game within the next two years ahead of Rangers facing Athletic Bilbao across two legs in the Europa League quarter-final this month.
The club have confirmed they are in the process of issuing lifetime bans for those responsible for the banner.
Aberdeen’s former chief Keith Wyness – who served as CEO at Pittodrie between 2000 and 2004, had lengthy spells as the chief of Everton and Aston Villa and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – insisted he is “disappointed” with the response from the club, suggesting the banner was an expression of free speech.
Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, Wyness insisted he found the banner “quite inoffensive”.
Rangers were also fined around £25,000 for the incident – and were also hit with a £23,000 fine for throwing of objects, blocking of passageways and improper conduct of the team during the Fenerbahce clash.
| Position | Team | Played | Points | GD |
| 1 | Celtic | 30 | 78 | +72 |
| 2 | Rangers | 30 | 65 | +35 |
Wyness told Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast: “I would actually support the fans in the case of the banner.
“I find the banner to be quite inoffensive. I’m amazed. I’ve seen a lot of freedom of speech organisations trying to support the Rangers fans in this.
“It was an unusual banner – no foul language, no picking on a specific group. I’m not saying I agree with what was said, but I agree with their right to say it.
“Uefa encourage fans to have banners in favour of certain types of thought and certain causes – so why if there’s something they don’t agree with, should you be fined and banned?
“I don’t think that’s how it should go. It worries me.
“I’m disappointed with the club with the way they’ve given in, so I hope the fans do fight this.
“I find it strange that I’m here supporting Rangers fans, but I am.
“It leaves a big question mark for me and I’m not very happy with how it’s played out.”
Rose to join Rangers? Major update emerges
Meanwhile, Football Insider has revealed (1 April) that Rangers will struggle to lure Marco Rose to the club as manager this summer.
The Gers are planning to be in the market for top managers if they become available this summer given the size and stature of the club – and Rose has recently been sacked by RB Leipzig.
Rangers are not expected to make any announcement on a manager appointment until after the final day of the 2024-25 campaign.
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