Rangers may bar travelling fans
Rangers could stop their own fans from attending away legs of European ties amid the fall-out from their UEFA Cup clash against Osasuna in Spain.
The idea was mooted at a meeting between club officials and the Rangers Supporters Assembly last night.
Some fans expressed concerned at the plan but the two groups will meet again next week for further talks.
UEFA say it is “very likely” their control and disciplinary body will launch an official investigation into the tie, which saw visiting fans clash with police.
The Gers could also face sanctions after UEFA revealed they were “fully aware” of internet footage which appeared to show fans singing sectarian songs after the game.
The Glasgow club complained about “heavy-handed policing” as Rangers crashed out of Europe with a 1-0 defeat in the away leg of the UEFA Cup last-16 clash a week ago.
A joint statement from the club and assembly read: “Fan safety, segregation, policing, crowd control and sectarian singing were discussed by the group at length.
“There was unanimous condemnation of policing and segregation arrangements at the match despite assurances given to Rangers and UEFA.
“It was agreed that the club will pursue the interests of supporters in the strongest possible terms with UEFA.
“The meeting also discussed sectarian behaviour at Osasuna and the club and the assembly agreed to continue to work together to eradicate all forms of sectarian behaviour amongst Rangers fans.
“In view of dissatisfaction over various aspects of the Osasuna match, a number of options were discussed in regard to ticket allocations for European matches next season.
“A number of options were raised including Rangers not taking tickets for away European ties next season but supporters’ representatives were concerned about the implications of this measure.”
Any investigation into the game by UEFA’s highest court would be heard at the end of the month or the start of April.
Rangers supporters claimed riot police charged into their section for no reason, lashing out with sticks, fists and kicks before, during and after the match in Pamplona.
The Glasgow club officially complained to UEFA about the lack of segregation and standard of policing at the El Sadar stadium.
Rangers received 1,400 tickets for the game but many more visiting fans gained access to the ground.
The footage of alleged sectarian singing emerged less than a year after UEFA fined Rangers about €19,000 for discriminatory chanting in a Champions League tie against Villarreal.
