Rangers pay penalty for fan troubles

Rangers fans have been found guilty of discriminatory behaviour by UEFA and handed a one-match away ban in Europe.

The Scottish club has also been fined a total of 80,000 euros by UEFA’s disciplinary body, who took umbrage with fans singing sectarian chants during the home and away legs of Rangers’ Europa League tie with Dutch outfit PSV Eindhoven last month.

For the charge relating to the away leg, Rangers were fined 40,000 euros and barred from selling tickets to supporters for the club’s next two away fixtures in any UEFA club competition.

The second match, however, is suspended for a probationary period of three years.

For the charge relating to the home leg, Rangers were fined another 40,000 euro and ordered play their next home fixture behind closed doors, although this punishment was also suspended for three years.

Rangers, who were not permitted any representation at the hearing, have three days to appeal the sanctions.

A UEFA statement said: “Following a charge of discriminatory behaviour at the first leg match against PSV Eindhoven on March 10, 2011, Rangers FC have been fined 40,000 euro and the club is restricted from selling any tickets to its supporters for two away matches in UEFA club competitions (with the respective home clubs also not authorised to sell tickets to Rangers FC supporters).

“This ban applies to Rangers FC’s next away match and is suspended for the second away match for a probationary period of three years.”

“The control and disciplinary body also fined the Scottish club a further 40,000 euro for discriminatory behaviour at the second leg match on March 17 and ordered Rangers FC to play their next home UEFA club competition match behind closed doors.”

“This sanction is however deferred for a probationary period of three years.”