Europe Leads the Way
Europe lead the way where Scotland's football authorities fear to tread it seems with the news that UEFA is demanding Rangers FC close part of their ground for Thursday's home match against Legia Warsaw.
Rangers are being punished for the sectarian signing and behaviour of their fans in a previous European tie, but to the club's and their manager's credit they have taken UEFA's ruling on the chin.
Let's hope other clubs take note and that the governing bodies in Scotland take similar action to stamp out this kind of behaviour in domestic football matches.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/49451649
Steven Gerrard: Sectarian chants damage Rangers fans' reputation
Rangers manager Steven Gerrard feels sorry for innocent fans who will miss out on Thursday's game
Manager Steven Gerrard has "pleaded" with Rangers fans to "behave in the right manner" after Uefa ruled that part of Ibrox be shut off.
Rangers must close a section of at least 3,000 seats for Thursday's sold-out Europa League tie with Legia Warsaw as punishment for "sectarian chants".
The club issued a statement condemning those responsible.
"I hope it's the last time we have to deal with questions on fan behaviour," said Gerrard.
Manager Steven Gerrard has "pleaded" with Rangers fans to "behave in the right manner" after Uefa ruled that part of Ibrox be shut off.
Rangers must close a section of at least 3,000 seats for Thursday's sold-out Europa League tie with Legia Warsaw as punishment for "sectarian chants".
The club issued a statement condemning those responsible.
"I hope it's the last time we have to deal with questions on fan behaviour," said Gerrard.
Uefa order Ibrox section closed for sell-out tie
"We've been here before. We want our fans to go to the games, enjoy it and get behind the team. That's what being a fan is all about.
"We've got one of the best fan bases in the world. They follow us in large numbers home and away and they have got a reputation for being the best supporters in the world.
"So when you hear stuff like this it damages that reputation.
"All I can do is echo what's been said in the statement and plead with fans to behave in the right manner when they come to support the team."
Rangers drew 0-0 in Poland in the first leg of the play-off, with the winners progressing to the group stage.
"I still think the crowd will be important next week," added Gerrard. "It's a small section but it's still not helpful.
"We do still want to send a clear message to our supporters that we're going to need them with us in the second leg. We need the stadium to be rocking and jumping because as you saw last night they are tough opponents."
Rangers: Uefa orders Ibrox section to close after 'sectarian singing'
Rangers have yet to confirm what section of Ibrox will close
Rangers have been ordered to close part of Ibrox for Thursday's meeting with Legia Warsaw following "racist behaviour - which includes sectarian singing" from fans.
The punishment from Uefa relates to the Europa League first round, second leg against St Joseph's on 18 July.
Rangers must close at least 3,000 seats and display a banner with "#EqualGame" on it in the empty section.
They are yet to announce the area to be shut for the sold-out game.
The tie is in the balance after Thursday's first leg in Warsaw finished goalless.
Uefa's disciplinary regulations state Rangers could face a euro 50,000 fine and the prospect of playing a tie behind closed doors if there is a further breach.
Rangers have been ordered to close part of Ibrox for Thursday's meeting with Legia Warsaw following "racist behaviour - which includes sectarian singing" from fans.
The punishment from Uefa relates to the Europa League first round, second leg against St Joseph's on 18 July.
Rangers must close at least 3,000 seats and display a banner with "#EqualGame" on it in the empty section.
They are yet to announce the area to be shut for the sold-out game.
The tie is in the balance after Thursday's first leg in Warsaw finished goalless.
Uefa's disciplinary regulations state Rangers could face a euro 50,000 fine and the prospect of playing a tie behind closed doors if there is a further breach.
Chants damage fans' reputation - Gerrard
"Our supporters have been asked repeatedly by the club to refrain from indulging in this, and other forms of unacceptable behaviour," said a statement from the Scottish club.
"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 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."
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."
Police Scotland have confirmed three arrests were made on the night of the St Joseph's game, but none for sectarian singing.
The Scottish FA and Scottish Professional Football League have declined to comment.
"Our supporters have been asked repeatedly by the club to refrain from indulging in this, and other forms of unacceptable behaviour," said a statement from the Scottish club.
"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 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."
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."
Police Scotland have confirmed three arrests were made on the night of the St Joseph's game, but none for sectarian singing.
The Scottish FA and Scottish Professional Football League have declined to comment.
