UEFA Imposes Severe Penalties on Rangers Following Fan Clashes with Athletic Bilbao Supporters
In a significant ruling, UEFA has handed down serious penalties to Rangers Football Club after chaotic incidents involving their supporters during a Europa League quarter-final match against Athletic Bilbao on April 10, 2025, at Ibrox Stadium. The disciplinary action stems from violent altercations between Rangers fans and Athletic Bilbao supporters, exacerbated by the display of Celtic banners by some Bilbao fans, which provoked a strong reaction.
The highly charged atmosphere at Ibrox, already tense due to the competitive nature of the Europa League knockout tie, spiraled into chaos before and after the goalless draw. Reports indicate that a group of Athletic Bilbao supporters unfurled banners referencing Celtic, Rangers’ fierce Old Firm rivals, in an apparent attempt to taunt the home crowd. This act was met with fury by sections of the Rangers fanbase, leading to physical confrontations outside the stadium.
Eyewitness accounts and local police reports describe scenes of disorder, with objects thrown and scuffles breaking out as Rangers fans targeted the Bilbao supporters displaying the provocative banners. While no serious injuries were reported, the incidents marred what was otherwise a gritty performance by Rangers, who held firm despite playing with ten men after Robin Pröpper’s early red card.
UEFA, known for its strict stance on fan violence and discriminatory behavior, launched an immediate investigation. The governing body cited multiple breaches of its disciplinary code, including acts of violence, throwing of objects, and behavior deemed to incite hatred or rivalry. In a statement, UEFA confirmed that Rangers would face “significant sanctions” for failing to control their supporters.
The penalties include:
- A hefty fine of €50,000 for the club, reflecting the severity of the incidents.
- A partial stadium closure for Rangers’ next European home match, with one section of Ibrox to remain empty as a deterrent against future misconduct.
- A suspended ban on Rangers fans attending their next away European fixture, to be enforced if similar incidents occur within a two-year probationary period.
These measures echo previous UEFA actions against clubs for fan-related issues, such as Athletic Bilbao’s own €25,000 fine earlier in the season for supporter attacks on police during a match against Roma.
Rangers issued a strongly worded statement condemning the actions of those involved. “The behavior of a small minority of supporters was unacceptable and has no place in football,” the club said. “We are working closely with UEFA and local authorities to identify those responsible and ensure they face appropriate consequences. Rangers is a club for everyone, and we will not tolerate actions that tarnish our reputation.”
The club also referenced the provocation caused by the Celtic banners, noting that while it does not excuse violence, such displays are “designed to inflame tensions.” Rangers urged fans to channel their passion positively, especially with the crucial second leg in Bilbao looming on April 17, 2025.
The raising of Celtic banners by Bilbao fans is particularly inflammatory given the deep-seated rivalry between Rangers and Celtic, known as the Old Firm derby. This rivalry, rooted in cultural, religious, and political differences, often spills over into fan behavior. Bilbao supporters may have been motivated by a perceived camaraderie with Celtic fans, as both clubs share a history of passionate, working-class fanbases and have faced UEFA scrutiny for supporter conduct in the past. For instance, Celtic faced a €20,000 fine and a suspended away fan ban in 2024 for pyrotechnic displays during a Champions League match.
The display of Celtic banners by Bilbao fans was seen by some as a deliberate provocation, capitalizing on this rivalry to unsettle Rangers supporters. However, UEFA’s focus remains on the response, holding clubs accountable for their fans’ actions regardless of external triggers.
The incident raises questions about fan behavior in European competitions, where rivalries can be amplified by cross-border encounters. Athletic Bilbao, no strangers to fan-related controversies, had previously urged their supporters to behave ahead of the Rangers clash, citing their own UEFA sanctions. The clash in Glasgow underscores the challenges clubs face in managing passionate fanbases, particularly when provocative acts like banner displays ignite tensions.
For Rangers, the penalties add to a challenging season. Already under scrutiny for a racist banner displayed during their Europa League tie against Fenerbahce in March 2025, which led to additional UEFA charges, the club now faces increased pressure to curb supporter misconduct. The partial stadium closure and potential away fan ban could impact team morale and finances, especially if Rangers progress further in the competition.
As Rangers prepare for the second leg at San Mamés Stadium, both clubs have called for calm. Athletic Bilbao, aware of their own fans’ reputation for volatility, issued a statement emphasizing respect and sportsmanship. “We look forward to welcoming Rangers to Bilbao for a competitive match, and we urge all supporters to focus on the football,” the Spanish club said.
UEFA’s penalties serve as a stark reminder that fan violence and disorder will not be tolerated. For Rangers, the focus now shifts to repairing their image and rallying their supporters for a crucial match in Bilbao, where they hope to keep their Europa League dreams alive. The club’s ability to move past this incident will depend on both the behavior of their fans and their performance on the pitch.
Note: Fans are encouraged to express their passion responsibly and respect the spirit of European competition. For more details on UEFA’s disciplinary measures, visit uefa.com.
