RANGERS have urged their fans to behave ahead of a huge Champions League qualifier against Panathinaikos.
The club have warned supporters that any discriminatory behaviour such as “illicit singing, chanting or the displaying of banners” won’t be tolerated by UEFA.
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It could see the Copland stand, which holds around 8000 seats, closed for a future European match if fans ignore those warnings as the club are under a two-year suspended closure sanction.
It’s after a small section of supporters displayed a “racist and/or discriminatory banner” during Rangers’ Europa League match against Fenerbahce in March.
Rangers were also fined £25,000 for the incident.
The club issued a statement after the match condemning supporters who made the banner saying it was “sadly and frankly embarrassing behaviour”.
And they’ve reminded fans ahead of the crunch Champions League qualifier against the Greeks on Tuesday.
A statement on the official club website said: “Across the continent, Ibrox and the Rangers support are renowned for your incredible backing both in noise and in colour, and that backing can again make all the difference against Panathinaikos and beyond.
“Supporters are, however, reminded the club remains under a suspended stand closure sanction.
“That means should there be any repeat of what UEFA deems as ‘racist and/or discriminatory behaviour’ in any area of the stadium, the Copland Stand will be closed for a future European match.
“That will mean thousands of fellow Rangers supporters will be deprived of the opportunity to attend a potentially key game, while the players on the pitch will lose a significant proportion of that amazing support you provide.
“Discriminatory behaviour includes (but is not limited to) illicit singing, chanting or the displaying of banners.
“Ahead of this match, and indeed the season, the club also reminds supporters the throwing of objects onto the pitch is unacceptable, illegal, and will lead to serious consequences for the club and the potential arrest of the individuals responsible.
“Tuesday’s huge match heralds the beginning of a new era for our great club, and another opportunity to show the very best of it to the watching world.”
It’s new boss Russell Martin‘s first competitive match in charge and the stakes could not be higher but he insists the game on Tuesday night won’t define their season.
Should Rangers progress they would face either Viktoria Plzen or Servette in the third qualifying round.
A defeat in the tie would see them drop into Europa League qualifiers and they would have to overcome either Besiktas or Shakhtar Donetsk.
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