Rangers unhappy as return of fans limited to 2,000

Rangers fans will return to Ibrox for the first time in 16 months on Saturday but the club has expressed disappointment after being limited to a crowd of 2,000 for their friendly with Arsenal.

The champions had hopedtoreceivepermission for around six times that amount based on the calculations that allowed Hampden Park to host 12,000 fans duringtheeuropeanchampionship.however,rangers have been told they can fill justfourpercentoftheirstadiumcapacityfollowingdiscussions with the Scottish Government and Glasgow City Council.

Rangers fans have not been able to watch their side in action since 47,494 took in a 3-1 defeat to Bayer Leverkusen in the Europa League in March last year.

A club statement read: "Following lengthy discussions with the Scottish Government and local authorities, Rangers have been granted permission to host 2,000 supporters at Saturday’s friendly with Arsenal.

"Season ticket holders who have access to all games at Ibrox will be given priority with the balance being balloted among season ticket holders who are Mygers members and have enrolled in the home friendlyscheme.thosewho are successful in the ballot will receive an email outliningarrangementsforsaturday’s match.

"Rangers are disappointed at the small number of supporters being granted access given the precedent which was set at the Euro 2020 matches at Hampden Park as well as at other sportingeventsinscotland, and the time it has taken to have the number of supporters confirmed by the Scottish Government.”