FOOTBALL : Rangers have charged with the improper conduct of their supporters following the disturbances during the Champions League match against Unirea Urziceni.
Rangers have charged with the improper conduct of their supporters following the disturbances during the Champions League match against Unirea Urziceni.
The case will be dealt with by UEFA’s control and disciplinary body next Thursday.
European football’s governing body had been awaiting their official delegate’s report before deciding what action to take over the supporter unrest which marred last night’s 1-1 Group G draw in Bucharest.
Television pictures showed a number of Rangers fans clashing with Romanian police in the stands, while one supporter was seen to rip out a seat.
Police used CS gas spray during what Rangers Supporters Assembly chief Andy Kerr last night described as a “minor incident”.
Responding to the charge, chief executive Martin Bain said: “We have been informed by UEFA that disciplinary proceedings have been instigated in relation to the throwing of missiles and crowd disturbances.
“As already stated, I am not for a moment condoning the action of some supporters to the unfolding of events within the stadium.
“But, as a club, the preparations which were agreed and insisted upon in advance were not adhered to and this in turn we feel jeopardised the safety of our supporters.”
Reiterating his belief that over-zealous policing was partly to blame for the trouble, Bain added: “We are fully aware of the indiscriminate use of CS gas and the difficulties experienced by our fans accessing the stadium.
“All these factors will be presented fully by the club to UEFA in our submission.”
