Athletic confirm UEFA sanctions ahead of Rangers clash as Gers brace for ‘significant’ punishment

Rangers are facing UEFA sanctions ahead of their Europa League quarter final clash with Athletic Bilbao – but the Ibrox club are not the only ones.

Rangers lambasted supporters for a controversial ‘anti-woke’ banner which was unfurled during the second leg of the club’s Europa League tie with Fenerbahce.

UEFA have branded the banner ‘racist and/or discriminatory’ with Rangers having already suffered two partial stand closures for UEFA matches for ‘sectarian singing’ dating back to 2019.

The Gers have branded the situation an embarrassment with the club’s Ultras section under the microscope for everything from political messaging to the use of pyrotechnics.

But now UEFA have punished Athletic Bilbao for the behaviour of their supporters ahead of the second leg of their Round of 16 Europa League clash with AS Roma.

Athletic Bilbao sanctioned by UEFA after AS Roma clash

Athletic Bilbao have been fined by UEFA for violent fan behaviour ahead of their return leg visit of AS Roma in Spain.

Atheltic overturned a 2-1 defeat in Italy with a 3-1 victory in the Estadio San Mamés to set up a bumper Europa League quarter final tie with Rangers.

As reported by 20 Minutos, 14 people were arrested by the Ertzaintza (Basque Police) whilst 15 Ertzaintza officers, two security guards, and an Italian fan were injured in violent ‘riots’ before the game.

UEFA have acted swiftly, imposing a €34k (£28.4k) fine on Atheltic for two separate incidents during the disruption.

A total of €30k (£25k) has been imposed on Athletic for the lighting of flares whilst a further €4k (£3.3k) fine has been imposed on the club for blocking the exit of a stairway where AS Roma fans were gathered.

Rangers brace for ‘significant’ UEFA sanctions in Europa League

Rangers have confirmed that the club is expecting ‘significant sanctions’ for the behaviour of supporters ahead of the Ibrox leg against Fenerbahce.