Rangers Face Uefa Sanctions: Lifetime Bans and Stand Closure Threat Following Controversial Banner Incident

Rangers FC has taken decisive action following a controversial incident during their Europa League clash against Fenerbahce at Ibrox Stadium. The club is issuing lifetime bans to individuals responsible for displaying an offensive banner that has resulted in significant consequences from Uefa.

Uefa's Ruling and Penalties

Uefa has imposed:

€30,000 fine for the discriminatory banner
€6,000 fine for blocked passageways
€4,500 fine for object throwing
Additional €8,000 fine for team misconduct (7 yellow cards)

The governing body has also issued a suspended one-game closure of the 8,000-seat Copland Stand, which will be enforced if similar incidents occur within two years.

Club Statement

Rangers condemned the banner's message ("Keep woke foreign ideologies out - defend Europe") as "shameful" and "embarrassing." In an official statement, the club emphasized:

"This must serve as a severe reminder to the minority who damage Rangers' reputation. Such actions harm club finances, team prospects in Europe, and punish thousands of loyal supporters."

The club praised their majority fanbase while urging supporters to "challenge those damaging Rangers' good name."

Match Context

The incident occurred during Rangers' 2-0 loss to Fenerbahce (3-2 aggregate win via penalties). The controversy overshadowed Barry Ferguson's side advancing in the competition.