Ferguson issues classy response to UEFA Ibrox banner protest, Rangers fans must simply comply
03/27/2025 11:06 AM
Barry Ferguson knows all-too-well how important the Rangers support is when it comes to getting victories over the line at Ibrox.
The former Rangers captain is a legend amongst the club's fanatical following and is now at the helm of his boyhood team ahead of a Europa League quarter final.
The Rangers team have done their bit on the park with a historic penalty kicks victory over Fenerbahce.
But off it the Rangers support have been cuffed by UEFA after an 'anti-woke' banner which ruffled feathers in Nyon.
Rangers have been handed a suspended partial stand closure by UEFA with the entire Copland Stand to be shut down for one game if the club breaches rules racism/discrimination rules once again.
It's not the first time Rangers have found themselves in hot water with European football's governing body.
Rangers were fined £117k by UEFA in just one season during the run to 2022 Europa League Final.
Barry Ferguson on threat of UEFA Europa League ban
Interim Rangers manager Ferguson has a vested interest in keeping the power of Ibrox as an asset ahead of the visit of Athletic Bilbao.
Athletic have felt UEFA's wrath themselves ahead of the match, the La Liga club being fined for fan disruption before the second leg of their tie with AS Roma.
The Spanish side go into the tie heavy favourites but with the power of Ibrox behind Rangers on Thursday nights, history proves that anything is possible.
To lose such an asset would come as a major blow to Rangers' chances and Barry Ferguson has reiterated this message to the Ibrox support.
"The important thing for me is we have the fans inside the stadium," Ferguson told Sky Sports.
"Certainly since I've been through the door the last four weeks they've been amazing, they've been brilliant. They've been a real support for the players.
"Hopefully going forward there'll be no bans or partial stadium closures and the fans will be allowed to come into the stadium and support their team."
It's not just club and the Rangers first-team who would feel the impact of an entire stand being closed.
For Rangers fans, the club is a religion all of its own with the luxury of travelling all over Scotland and Europe to follow their team something they don't take for granted.
Innocent fans risk being punished for the behaviour of a few and Ferguson has reminded supporters just how important it is that fellow bluenoses be allowed to follow their team.
"I know how important it is for the fans to be there," said Ferguson.
"Whether that's at Ibrox or whether that's on Saturday at Den's Park because they're really important to us.
"Hopefully going forward we won't see any of they things happen."
Rangers dole out extreme punishment to banner wavers
Rangers are set to dole out lifetime bans to those responsible for the banner, with the club making it abundantly clear that there will be zero tolerance for intolerant messaging.
Rangers hosted an Islamic Iftar event at Ibrox recently, with the club's Everyone, Anyone more than just words for the executives in Glasgow.
With Rangers on the verge of a US takeover, the club is actively promoting itself a modern, welcoming institution open to any supporter regardless of race, religion or sexual orientation.
In a stern statement in the aftermath of UEFA's decision, Rangers have warned that those who indulge in unacceptable behaviour will lose their right to follow the Gers:
"Rangers notes the outcome of the UEFA disciplinary case, and the respective sanctions imposed upon the club for several issues at the recent Ibrox match with Fenerbahce.
"Most notably, the club has been served with a suspended closure of the Copland Stand should there be any repeat of racist and/or discriminatory behaviour within the next two years.
"This punishment must serve as a severe and significant reminder to the small minority of supporters who bring the name of Rangers into disrepute. Any repeat of any discriminatory behaviour (and this also includes the singing of illicit songs) may result in the famed 'Rangers end' of our home being closed for a UEFA match.
"Not only will the reputation and finances of the club be harmed by such a punishment, but the chances of the team in a potentially key European match will also suffer enormously, while thousands of innocent fans will be unable to attend a massive fixture.
"In response to the displaying of the racist and/or discriminatory banner at the Fenerbahce game, the club can confirm that it is in the process of issuing lifetime bans to the individuals responsible."
It's worth noting that the lifetime Ibrox bans have polarised Rangers fans, with many questioning if the punishment is 'disproportionate'.
