Rangers fans banned by UEFA

UEFA have imposed a two-match away ban - one of which is suspended - on Rangers fans after the club were found guilty of charges relating to discriminatory behaviour by their supporters.

The Scottish champions were also fined €40,000 by UEFA's control and disciplinary body as a result of the actions of fans at the away leg of the Europa League tie against PSV Eindhoven.

Rangers were also fined the same amount and ordered to play their next home UEFA match behind closed doors for the same offence in the home leg, although that sanction was also deferred for a probationary period of three years.

Rangers, who were not permitted to make a personal representation at the hearing, have three days to appeal the sanctions.

A statement from UEFA confirmed: "The UEFA control and disciplinary body meeting today in Nyon has confirmed the following sanctions against Rangers FC after the two legs against PSV Eindhoven in the UEFA Europa League round of 16.

"Following a charge of discriminatory behaviour at the first leg match against PSV Eindhoven on March 10, 2011, Rangers FC have been fined €40,000 and the club is restricted from selling any tickets to its supporters for two away matches in UEFA club competitions (with the respective home clubs also not authorised to sell tickets to Rangers FC supporters).

"This ban applies to Rangers FC's next away match and is suspended for the second away match for a probationary period of three years.

"The control and disciplinary body also fined the Scottish club a further 40,000 euro for discriminatory behaviour at the second leg match on March 17 and ordered Rangers FC to play their next home UEFA club competition match behind closed doors.

"This sanction is however deferred for a probationary period of three years.

"An appeal by the club must be made within three days of the dispatch of the reasoned decision."

Speaking earlier today, Rangers assistant manager Ally McCoist admitted it would be a "real blow" if the club were forced to play European games behind closed doors next season.

McCoist replaces Walter Smith at the helm at the end of the campaign, meaning his first European match as manager could be played without Rangers fans in attendance.

He said: "I would be disappointed, make no mistake about that. The atmosphere at our place in the Champions League in recent seasons has been out of this world.

"I'd feel really sorry for the good fans and the players as well. Hopefully it won't be the case. It would be a real blow."

Referring to today's hearing, McCoist added: "I just think it's quite strange that you can't represent yourself when you've got an accusation levelled against you.

"I think anybody would like to defend themselves and put their opinions across. It would have been nice to be able to represent yourself."

Rangers chief executive Martin Bain said the club were considering whether to appeal the sanctions.

He also reiterated "serious concerns" about the evidence compiled by FARE, the organisation who submitted the report to UEFA highlighting the behaviour of Rangers fans.

Bain said in a statement: "We are bitterly disappointed that our club has been placed in a position where we are subjected to these kind of sanctions by UEFA.

"We will consider our position when we receive the written reasons for the decision which are expected in a week or so.

"The club put its own case very forcibly to UEFA and the more draconian sanctions that were recommended by the disciplinary inspector have been mitigated to a degree.

"To be clear, we condemn sectarianism and there is no doubt the mindless behaviour of an element of our support has exposed the club to a very serious situation.

"The people who engage in this type of behaviour are damaging the club they claim to support.

"It is abundantly clear from this decision that if there is any sectarian singing at future matches the suspended bans will take effect. Those fans who engage in such activity need to take that message on board.

"The majority of our fans understand the situation and would much rather focus on football.

"They show that clearly at Ibrox and the tremendous atmosphere they created at last weekend's Old Firm match was a case in point.

"In terms of the UEFA case brought against us, we have had serious concerns about the integrity of the evidence compiled by the FARE organisation and that remains the case.

"We are also of the opinion that FARE has been influenced by people who make it their business to damage our club in any way they can.

"We are committed to the eradication of sectarianism and believe it would have been more constructive for FARE to work with our club rather than against it.

"Instead, they submitted evidence to UEFA with a clear objective in mind and have shown a complete lack of transparency or accountability when asked for clarification on various aspects of that evidence."