Rangers reveal fresh pyro probe and warn fans of risk over tickets following UEFA fine

Rangers have revealed that the club is facing another potential disciplinary charge over fans using pyrotechnics, days after UEFA handed down a punishment over fireworks at a Champions League qualifier.

The Ibrox club say that the SPFL has opened an investigation over incidents at Fir Park during the opening Premiership match of the season against Motherwell.

Fans in the away end set off blue smoke bombs ahead of the league game, which finished in a 1-1 draw.

That could see the club heavily punished after previously being sanctioned over the use of pyrotechnics.

In March, Rangers, Celtic and Motherwell were all called to account over supporters’ use of flares in the Premier Sports Cup semi-finals and punished with a reduction of their ticket allocation by 500 seats for their next game at Hampden in the competition.

Celtic and Rangers were also given an additional suspended punishment and will see their allocation cut by 800 tickets if there is a repeat of the rule breach at any league or League Cup game within the next two years.

Rangers revealed the latest investigation in a statement that spelled out the consequences for the club and supporters for the continued use of fireworks, flares and smoke bombs.

The club statement read: “Rangers FC acknowledges the outcome of the UEFA disciplinary case following last month’s away match against Club Brugge.

“The club has been fined €20,000 for the use of pyrotechnics before kick-off. UEFA has also imposed a suspended one-match ban on away ticket sales in European competition which will be triggered if a similar incident occurs within the next two years.

“It is clear that UEFA and domestic authorities are taking a firmer stance on the use of pyrotechnics and the unnecessary safety risks created for supporters, players, stewards, and emergency services. The consequences are already being felt, with sanctions now in place across multiple competitions.

“Following the use of pyrotechnics at fixtures at Hampden Park last season, the SPFL will reduce our ticket allocation by 500 at the next Premier Sports Cup semi-final at Hampden. Any further pyrotechnic incidents at future SPFL or Premier Sports Cup matches may result in an additional reduction of 800 to our ticket allocation.

“The SPFL has also opened an investigation into the use of smoke bombs during the match at Motherwell on the opening day of the season, which we are currently in the process of responding to.

“Separately, a suspended closure of the Copland Stand remains in place following last season’s match against Fenerbahce, in response to the display of a banner deemed to be discriminatory.

“While these incidents involved different circumstances and different groups, the risk of reduced ticket allocations and potential stand closures is now very real. Additionally, while the fines received do not have the same direct impact on fans, they divert resources from other areas and weaken the club.

“We know that many supporters are frustrated as a result of this and we have received requests to take action against the fans responsible. We are reviewing our next steps internally and will discuss with fan groups, including the Fan Advisory Board, to ensure a fair and responsible outcome.

“Ultimately, we all want the same thing, a strong Rangers, backed by a support that lifts the team and reflects the very best of who we are and what we stand for.”