Rangers set up viewing area for fans in Seville
...but Ibrox won’t host beamback with too many staff in Spain
RANGERS have confirmed that ticketless supporters will be able to watch the Europa League final in a special fan viewing area in Seville as thousands prepare to head to Spain next week.
But there will be no screening of the match with Eintracht Frankfurt at Ibrox on the night where Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side aim to make history and follow in the footsteps of the Barcelona Bears.
Rangers and Frankfurt received official allocations of just 9,500 for the final at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan but tens of thousands of punters from both sides are expected in the city and surrounding areas.
Managing director Stewart Robertson called on fans to ‘respect’ Seville and its population and supporters will now be given access to the Estadio La Cartuja – the venue where Celtic lost to Porto in 2003 – to watch Van Bronckhorst’s side bid for European glory.
A Rangers statement read: “Rangers are aware supporters are travelling to Seville in large numbers. We have worked to ensure supporters with and without tickets have the opportunity to experience this momentous occasion.
“We know our fans will have a great time, enjoy the beautiful city of Seville, and act as worthy ambassadors of Rangers Football Club as we celebrate our 150th anniversary year.
“After dialogue with UEFA, Spanish Police and the local authorities, we can confirm the organisation of a fan viewing area in the Estadio La Cartuja, for those supporters without tickets. Further details will be released by the Stadium Manager in the coming days.
“There will also be a fan meeting point in Alameda de Hércules for those supporters with a ticket for the final. There will be no public viewing of the game in the fan zone area.”
The Frankfurt clash will be Rangers’ first European final since their run to Manchester in 2008 that ended in a defeat to Zenit St Petersburg.
Fans were allowed into Ibrox to watch the action unfold on that occasion but there will be no organised gathering for supporters.
The statement continued: “Unfortunately, Rangers will not be able to provide a matchday screening at Ibrox stadium.
“Whilst we understand the wish for supporters to be able to gather at our home for this momentous occasion, the club does not have sufficient staffing resources to be able to host such a large event due to the number of qualified staff and personnel required to travel to Spain to assist in the safe delivery of the final.
“We could not safely operate an event of this size without the presence of our safety team, all of whom are required in Spain.”