'Rangers is not for you': Ibrox slams fans responsible for 'shameful' banner

Rangers have condemned supporters who displayed a “racist and/or discriminatory” banner at Ibrox, telling intolerant fans that “Rangers is not the club for you”.

The Ibrox club revealed that UEFA has begun disciplinary proceedings over the banner, which was displayed during last week’s Europa League match against Fenerbahce.

It’s understood the charge relates to a display in one corner of the ground that read: “Keep woke foreign ideologies out. Defend Europe.”

Rangers, who this week hosted an Iftar celebration at Ibrox for Muslims ending their Ramadan fast, and who recently dedicated a game to Football v Homophobia’s month of action, said the club was “modern and progressive” and that the charge for a discriminatory offence was “shameful”.

The Premiership side said that the backing of supporters in recent matches has generated “enormous passion” but found it “deeply saddening and frankly embarrassing that the club is now set to face significant sanctions for the actions of a very small minority”.

The statement read: “The club has been charged by UEFA after a handful of supporters displayed what UEFA describe as a “racist and/or discriminatory banner” at last Thursday’s Ibrox meeting with Fenerbahce.

“Rangers is a modern, progressive football club, and we are fiercely proud of our diverse playing squads, workforce and support. For the club to be charged with such a matter in 2025 is shameful, and the disdain for those responsible will be shared by the overwhelming majority of our supporters.

“This charge will bring consequences for the club, while the club is also working to identify those responsible and will ensure they also face consequences.

“For the avoidance of doubt, if you do not believe in 2025 that absolutely everyone is welcome to follow Rangers whether at Ibrox or away, then Rangers is not the club for you, and you should disassociate yourself with the club immediately.”

Rangers also revealed that there was a charge from European football’s governing body over the throwing of objects from the stand during that match, and highlighted previous incidents at Ibrox and at other grounds.

“This senseless and criminal behaviour has no place in sport, nor in society,” the statement continued. “Again, if you think such behaviour is acceptable, you are not welcome at Rangers matches.”

The side celebrated a dramatic 3-2 victory over Celtic in the Premiership clash at Celtic Park last weekend, with away fans returning to the Old Firm fixture for the first time in several years.

However, pyrotechnics were used by Rangers fans and the club now faces a potential cut to their ticket allocation for a future match. Rangers, along with Celtic and Motherwell, had a supporter ban imposed after the use of flares at Premier Sports matches last year, but the punishment was suspended and would only take effect if there were further incidents.

A club spokesperson wrote: “Despite clear warnings to the contrary, pyrotechnics were used by two individuals following Sunday’s Old Firm victory at Parkhead.

“This runs the risk of an additional 800 of our supporters being unable to attend a match in the latter stages of the Premier Sports Cup at Hampden, in addition to the 500 that will already miss out as a result of the use of pyrotechnics.

“All of the above behaviours will have consequences for the club, and either directly or indirectly, the club’s supporters.

“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.

“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.”

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