Rangers set to learn fate

Rangers could receive anything from a slap on the wrist to a European ban today when the results of an investigation into the ugly scenes which marred the second leg of their UEFA Cup last-16 clash against Osasuna are revealed.

The match on March 14 in Pamplona was played with a backdrop of violence in the stands as Rangers supporters clashed with Spanish police.

Many travelling supporters pointed blame at the police, accusing them of crimes ranging from heavy-handed tactics to brutality.

Rangers, who seem certain to receive punishment of some level, have submitted a substantial dossier of evidence and information to support their case that sub-standard security and segregation was a catalyst for trouble.

The Ibrox club admitted shortly after the match, which Rangers lost to go out of Europe, that several supporters with banning orders had made the trip to Spain and gained entry to the El Sadar stadium.

Thousands of visiting fans obtained tickets on the black market for the match, with the Light Blues unable to prevent them travelling to Spain, and the sheer numbers presented Osasuna with a problem they struggled to resolve on the night.

Footage – which emerged on the YouTube website – of Rangers supporters involved in sectarian chanting at the match, is considered by UEFA as another disturbing aspect of the evening.

Rangers have sought their own supporters’ take on events in Spain, and official fans’ groups have contributed first-hand accounts of their experiences to the club, which have been relayed to UEFA.

The club have also renewed their efforts to detect and banish those supporters who persist in offensive chanting, with self-policing among fans being strongly encouraged.

Chairman David Murray confirmed he would consider refusing tickets for away matches in Scotland and for European games if the distasteful chanting continued, and promised to review the situation at the end of the season.

Manager Walter Smith recently went so far as to claim: “We are looking at a situation where Rangers’ long-term future could be affected if there is no change in the attitude of those who choose to remain bigoted in their own lives.”

UEFA seem unlikely to exclude Rangers, who are on course for a place in Champions League qualifying, from next season’s competitions, however a heavy fine seems the best they can hope for.

Rangers were hit with a £13,000 (€19,000) fine from UEFA last year after sectarian chanting marred their Champions League tie against Villarreal – with European football’s governing body appealing against the decision of their own control and disciplinary body to declare Rangers not guilty.

Although sectarianism is considered a social problem, UEFA are adamant it cannot be tolerated in football stadiums.

Their communications director, William Gaillard, has confirmed that UEFA are aware of the ongoing effort by Rangers and Celtic – supported by national government – to eradicate the long-time scourge of the Scottish game.

However the club could still face partial closure of Ibrox for European games next season as punishment for the behaviour of their supporters.

Osasuna, who could feature in the final on May 16 – in Glasgow of all places - may also face severe sanctions for their handling of the match.