UEFA order Rangers to shut off at least 3,000 Ibrox seats at Europa League tie following sectarian singing

A section of Ibrox will be closed for Rangers’ Europa League tie against Legia Warsaw on Thursday under UEFA orders.

If follows the governing body ruling that a group of supporters were guilty of racist behaviour, including sectarian singing, during the match against St Joseph’s in an earlier round of Europa League qualifying.

The verdict means that at least 3,000 seats will be shut off for Thursday’s match.

A Rangers statement 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.

“Unfortunately a significant number of supporters, innocent of any wrong doing, 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.”

The area, or areas, to be closed are yet to be announced, but Rangers say they will do their best to “restrict the impact to offending supporters.”

Rangers chairman Dave King added: “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.”