LAST CHANCE!
Gerrard fears playing behind closed doors after charge
STEVEN GERRARD has warned Rangers fans that UEFA will order Ibrox to be shut down for a big European match unless the sectarian singing stops now.
The governing body yesterday ruled that Rangers must close a 3,000-strong section of their ground for Thursday’s Europa League play-off with Legia Warsaw after deciding the club’s supporters were guilty of racist behaviour — specifically relating to ‘sectarian chants’ — during their opening qualifier against St Joseph’s. And Gerrard is acutely aware that UEFA will not stop there if the offences continue.
‘I’m sure UEFA are sending us a clear message — that this is your punishment for this but, if it continues, you will be playing behind closed doors,’ said the Rangers boss.
‘And the thought of that is tough as a manager. Especially when there is so much to play for in these games.
‘Unfortunately, those are the things that will come if this continues. If this minority
continue to let the club down, that is what eventually will happen.’ As well as the closed section, Rangers must also display an antiracism banner bearing the slogan ‘#EqualGame’ in the area closed off.
And Rangers chairman Dave King warned yesterday that any fan intent on continuing to indulge in sectarian behaviour will not be welcomed at Ibrox, declaring: ‘Rangers is a club open to all and we will continue to convey this message at every opportunity through our Everyone Anyone initiative.
‘Rangers has players and supporters from many religions, cultures and backgrounds but we are one and the same when we gather to support our club. If any supporter cannot accept that, then Rangers is not the club for them.’
An official club statement revealing the scale of the punishment, which will carry a significant financial hit for a sold-out fixture, said: ‘Our supporters have been asked repeatedly by the club to refrain from indulging in this, and other forms of unacceptable behaviour.
‘Sadly, the warnings have fallen on deaf ears and the actions of this minority will cause the club and the majority of good and decent Rangers supporters to pay a heavy penalty.
‘The area, or areas, to be closed will be announced in due course and the club will do its best to restrict the impact to offending supporters. ‘Unfortunately, a significant number of supporters, innocent of any wrongdoing, will be unable to attend next week’s match.
‘This is deeply regrettable to all at the club and we hope that the guilty parties, who attracted the attention of UEFA, might reflect on the damage their unacceptable behaviour is causing Rangers and their fellow supporters.
‘If any individual supporter is unable to behave in a civilised manner, then please stay away from Ibrox and our club. You are harming Rangers and that is something a genuine supporter would never wish to do.’ Gerrard, frustrated to be speaking about off-field issues rather than his team’s battling 0-0 draw in Poland on Thursday night, said:
‘I agree with the statement and certainly back it. ‘Because it’s disappointing and frustrating, from my point of view, that we’re at a stage of the season which is already important for us — and we need every bit of support we can get at home.
‘We need Ibrox to be as noisy and hostile as it can. You saw the advantage Legia Warsaw had with their atmosphere. ‘To have a chunk of our support missing next week is hugely disappointing, from my point of view. So I back the statement.’