Rangers have condemned the actions of a small group of supporters who displayed an anti-woke banner during their Europa League match against Fenerbahce, an act that has resulted in a disciplinary charge from UEFA. The club described the display as “shameful” and “embarrassing,” and strongly criticized the throwing of objects onto the pitch and the continued use of pyrotechnics, stating that fans who engage in such behavior are not welcome at their matches.
While the club expressed gratitude to most supporters for their recent backing during games against Fenerbahce and Celtic, they stated that it is “deeply saddening and frankly embarrassing” that they now face significant sanctions due to the actions of a small minority.
The controversial banner displayed at Ibrox during the team’s aggregate win over Fenerbahce read: “Keep woke foreign ideologies out – defend Europe.” UEFA has labeled the banner as “racist and/or discriminatory.”
In a statement on their website, Rangers emphasized their commitment to being a “modern, progressive football club” and their pride in their diverse playing squads, workforce, and supporters. They condemned the actions that led to the UEFA charge, expressing disappointment that the club is facing repercussions in 2025 due to such behavior.
The club is working to identify those responsible for the banner and other incidents, stating that these individuals will face consequences. Rangers made it clear that anyone who does not believe in an inclusive, welcoming environment for all supporters should disassociate themselves from the club.
Rangers also addressed the throwing of objects, which led to another charge against the club. They noted that their players and staff were targeted with missiles during Sunday’s Old Firm derby at Celtic Park, and called out the growing issue of such behavior not only at their matches but across Scotland. They also referenced an incident during the January Old Firm match and a recent event at Motherwell where one of their supporters was injured by an object thrown towards the away section.
The club firmly stated that such criminal behavior has no place in football or society and reiterated that anyone who condones it is not welcome at Rangers games.
Rangers also face a UEFA sanction for blocking passageways during the Fenerbahce match and urged supporters to follow the instructions of stewards and police. Furthermore, the club highlighted the use of pyrotechnics by two individuals after Sunday’s Old Firm victory, which could result in an additional 800 supporters being banned from attending future matches, in addition to the 500 who will already miss out due to previous pyrotechnic use.
The club concluded by stressing that all of these actions will have consequences for both the club and its supporters.
