Rangers ultras set to be punished with lifetime bans over “shameful” racist banners at Ibrox

The Scottish club is ready to strict actions against those responsible for racist acts during their clash against Fenerbahçe. (Image credits - CommonsWikipedia, License Details)

Rangers FC are set to impose lifetime bans on fans who were responsible for displaying alleged racist banners that led to a temporary shutdown of the Copland Stand at Ibrox Stadium by UEFA.

The Copland Stand is one of the main attractions of Ibrox, as it is the stand of the Rangers’ Ultras and has a seating capacity of over 8000. However, it became the centre of controversial acts during Rangers’ clash with Fenerbahçe in the UEFA Europa clash on 14th March.

UEFA have sent a strict warning to the Scottish giants, stating a shutdown for elongated periods if there is "a repeat of racist and/or discriminatory behaviour" during European matches within the next two years.

The club has been fined £25,000 for the banners the Ultras put on show during the second leg of the Round of 16 against Fenerbahce.

A further fine of £6,676 was imposed on Ranger's for their team's "improper conduct" against the Turks, which saw seven of their players getting booked. 

The controversial banner, which was held up by the fanatics, stated: "Keep woke foreign ideologies out – defend Europe,” taking aim at modern-day ideologies.

The club’s management and board bashed the Ultras for the horrendous act after the game, labelling it as “shameful” and “embarrassing” to the club’s culture, and rightly so, as the ultras’ action does not only harm the club's financial condition, but also damages the game atmosphere of the stadium and even the game.

Rangers and Celtic ultras labelled a “national disgrace” by fans in Scotland

Rangers and Celtic’s ultras have constantly been a part of controversial and chaotic moments in Scotland, causing widespread anger and calls for serious punishments.

Last year, the kick-off in the Premier Sports Cup final between Celtic and Rangers was delayed due to huge smoke from pyro fires generated by the Celtic ultras. The Scottish Premier League even issued a warning regarding the flares prior to the game, but it was simply ignored by the fanatical fans at Hampden Park.

Prior to the incident on 14th March, Rangers Ultras were filmed creating major chaos in a busy Glasgow street, even clashing with the police officials, forcing tourists and shopkeepers to take refuge in doorways.

The situation got even worse when a flare was thrown at a police officer by an out-of-control fan, creating a major matter of security concerns.

As per BBC, Chief Superintendent Stevie Dolan criticised the club's Ultras for their constant dangerous acts by saying, “Officers have had to act swiftly and robustly to ensure public safety and reduce disorder. The use of weapons or violence will not be tolerated, and officers will take action where necessary to ensure safety.”

He further added that "It impacts other members of the public and the vast majority of football supporters who want to enjoy the cup final event safely. Officers will remain in the city as our operation continues, and anyone with any concerns can approach them.”