Rangers fans told to show ‘respect’

Stewart Robertson has urged Rangers fans to respect Seville and enjoy themselves in next week’s Europa League final against Eintracht Frankfurt.

Tens of thousands of Gers fans are set to make their way to Spain for the club’s first European final in 14 years since the Uefa Cup defeat to Zenit St Petersburg in Manchester in 2008, which saw trouble in the city.

Many Gers fans will travel without tickets against the advice of Uefa but Ibrox managing director Robertson had a message for anyone who makes the journey to Spain in the club’s colours.

He said: “To supporters with or without tickets, (the message) is go and enjoy yourself, go and enjoy the occasion. I remember in 2008 thinking ‘will I see Rangers in a European final again?’ and here we are. It is fantastic. Go and enjoy the occasion, go and be a good ambassador for Rangers.

“We are going to a beautiful city, in Seville, go and enjoy the city but let’s go and do it in the right manner. Have a good time.

“Regardless of numbers go and do it, respect the city, respect the locals, there will be people going about their day-to-day business.

“I remember when Bayer Leverkusen and Real Madrid were in Glasgow (Champions League final 2002) and there was a great atmosphere in the city, so hopefully we can create a similar atmosphere in Seville.

“There is going to be disruption to people’s dayto-day lives but hopefully we minimise that and do it in a way that is positive. And the local people, when we leave, have a good impression of Rangers and Rangers supporters.”

Robertson revealed Rangers were in talks with Uefa and Spanish authorities about a fan zone for those without tickets in Spain.

He said: “There are discussions with Uefa over various fan zones and hopefully we can establish one for those supporters travelling without tickets.

“Uefa and the authorities in Seville have been terrific to deal with so far, so fingers crossed we can get that sorted.”

Robertson, however, quashed hopes of a beam back of the game to Ibrox.

He said: “It is very unlikely because most of the key staff we need to organise and run such a beam back will be in Seville. I don’t think that will happen.

“As much as I understand the desire of fans to gather in one place and watch it, I just don’t think it is going to be physically possible.”

Robertson outlined the benefits of the run to Seville both on and off the park.

He said: “The run we are on now is probably slightly more (money) than we would have had for qualifying for the Champions League this season, and going out at the group stage. It is a terrific boost.”

Robertson also confirmed the club are in talks with Glasgow City Council about a victory bus parade if the Light Blues bring a European trophy back to the city for the first time in 50 years.