Rangers fans urged to ‘respect’ Seville
Robertson hopes Ibrox support can enjoy final ‘right way’
STEWART ROBERTSON has urged Rangers fans to ‘respect’ Seville as thousands of supporters prepare to descend on Spain for the Europa League final.
Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side will face Eintracht Frankfurt next Wednesday evening on what could become the most significant night in Rangers’ history.
The Govan side have received an allocation of just 9,500 tickets for the Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán, however, and there will be huge numbers of fans from both clubs congregating across Andalucia and further afield before, during and after the show-* piece fixture. Rangers’ last European final in 2008 was marred by ugly scenes of violence and disorder and Robertson – who confirmed there are no plans in place to screen the event at Ibrox for supporters here – has issued a call for fans to behave in the right manner during their trip abroad.
Robertson 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 way, the right manner. Go and enjoy it, 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 [for the Champions League final in 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 day-to-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.”
Rangers have overcome Borussia Dortmund, Red Star Belgrade, Braga and RB Leipzig to move within 90 minutes of their second European trophy
A Champions League bounty awaits the winners in Seville and Ibrox managing director Robertson has revealed the huge financial
benefits of the continental campaign.
Robertson 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. Beyond the money it is the profile the club has had. You look at what it does to the profile the players get and the ability to attract new players in the summer. Getting to a European final makes the club more attractive.
“Financially, it has been a fantastic addition to what we budgeted for. It allows us to hopefully strengthen the team, do some of the infrastructure projects around the stadium and training ground.”