After UEFA penalised Rangers Football Club for a sign they exhibited during their Europa League match against Fenerbahce, the team posted an explosive statement criticising some of its own supporters.
A banner with the words, “Keep woke foreign ideologies out,” was displayed in the home end during the match at Ibrox. Protect Europe. Rangers, who advanced to the quarterfinals after winning the match on penalties, have now been penalised by UEFA for flying a “racist and/or discriminatory banner.”
The Scottish club has denounced those in charge for their “shameful” and “embarrassing” behaviour and is not pleased with them at all. They wrote in a statement on their website: “The club is now going to be subject to severe penalties for the activities of a very small minority, which is extremely disheartening and, to be honest, embarrassing.
Rangers banner with this message at home to Fenerbahce tonight…
"Keep woke foreign ideologies out. Defend Europe" pic.twitter.com/oC93tVJqJE
— Football Away Days (@FBAwayDays) March 13, 2025
“To start, UEFA has penalised the club after a few fans flew what they call a “racist and/or discriminatory flag” during last Thursday’s match against Fenerbahce at Ibrox.
“As a forward-thinking, contemporary football team, Rangers takes great pride in its diversified roster, staff, and supporters. It is disgraceful for the club to face such charges in 2025, and the vast majority of our supporters will share their contempt for those involved.
“This charge will have repercussions for the club, and the club is striving to find the culprits and make sure they are held accountable as well. To be clear, Rangers is not the club for you, and you should cut ties with the team right away if you do not think that everyone is welcome to support the team in 2025, whether at Ibrox or away.”
Rangers will also be sanctioned by UEFA for blocking pathways during the same game, in addition to being charged with throwing objects against Fenerbahce. “Rangers as a club will stand alongside our supporters, and advocate for their rights and their ability to support the team in the most passionate ways possible within the confines of the law and the appropriate regulations,” the statement said after denouncing those involved once more.
“However, the club also calls on all reasonable supporters to wholeheartedly reject any behaviour which brings the name of Rangers into disrepute, and to assist the club by challenging any issues which will lead to the club being punished further by the relevant authorities.”
Rangers are now 13 points behind their fiercest rivals, Celtic, in second place in the Scottish Premiership. In the Europa League quarterfinals, they will play Athletic Club of Spain.
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