Rangers FC travel to Portugal in order to take on FC Porto in the UEFA Europa League this week. And this match will be crucial for both these sides.
The Gers have been slotted in Group G of the Europa League and right now all the four clubs in the group are tied on three points apiece.
Rangers are currently third on the table while FC Porto find themselves at the bottom of the pack meaning whoever wins this encounter on Thursday will get a huge boost for qualifying to the next round.
And while Steven Gerrard is busy making plans for the game, the Rangers management have been sweating over the behaviour of their fans.
Thanks to inappropriate chantings, the club have had to close a section of Ibrox for European games two times this season and they also chose not to sell away tickets for their clash vs Young Boys. And this is why Rangers are very careful as to how their fans behave for the Porto clash since if they manage to rub UEFA the wrong way this time then the Gers will be in for some serious trouble.
Here’s what the official statement read:
“RANGERS takes this opportunity to remind supporters, especially those travelling to Portugal for the Europa League match against Porto, that they have a duty to represent the Club in the best possible way.
“There must be no singing of songs, or behaviour which UEFA could deem unacceptable and the Club urges all our fans in Portugal to do everything possible to portray themselves and Rangers in the best possible light. Remember that UEFA has already imposed a sanction on Rangers so we must be vigilant and give them no cause to take further and more serious action against us.
“The behaviour of our fans in recent times has been exemplary but it is important to maintain those standards at home and abroad. At all times we must be aware that whatever we do, both inside and outside the stadium today and tomorrow, our behaviour will come under the closest scrutiny.
“Having said that, however, this fixture also provides another opportunity for Rangers to be showcased as a modern, all-inclusive Club. Let others fall foul of the authorities – we have seen what happened in Bulgaria just more than a week ago and there is now an investigation into a racist slur against one of our own – while we concentrate on supporting Steven Gerrard and his players in the correct way.
“Be loud and be heard and hopefully celebrate a victory with the team at the end of the match but please, keep in mind that UEFA’s view of racism is wide-ranging, which means singing or behaviour that could bring much more serious repercussions for the Club must be avoided.
“In the same way the players are ambassadors for our Club so, too, are we, the supporters. So enjoy Porto, enjoy the game and together let’s promote Rangers positively. Let’s set higher standards and continue to demonstrate that Rangers is for Everyone, Anyone.”
