It was agreed last night that Supporter groups will self police at domestic away matches until the end of the season and will then meet the Club to review fan behaviour at these domestic away games. If there is unsatisfactory behaviour at domestic away matches then the suspension of ticket allocations for away games in Europe will be considered jointly.
Rangers and the supporters' groups have been engaged in positive and productive talks since the UEFA Cup match against Osasuna in Pamplona on March 14.
Following their latest meeting this week, Sir David Murray, chairman of Rangers, Martin Bain, the Club's chief executive, the Board of the Club and supporters' organisations agreed the following joint statement.
"The match in Pamplona turned out to be a watershed for the Club and supporters. At that game, Rangers encountered the poorest safety and security arrangements for a match for many years which gave the Club deep concern for the welfare of supporters there to enjoy the game. The poor arrangements led to questionable policing and shambolic segregation that was clearly visible to all attending the game and those watching on TV. This Club knows better than most the tragic consequences that can result at football matches and we believe the arrangements in Osasuna were a recipe for disaster. We continue to pursue this matter with UEFA in the strongest terms.
"We accept there were a small number of so-called Rangers fans who let themselves and the Club down during this match and we condemn them out of hand. That said, much of the distress and injury suffered by many supporters could have been prevented. Quite rightly, clubs in the UK have to adhere to the strictest safety regulations and it is disappointing to see this is not the case in countries which are regarded as advanced footballing nations. We are grateful for the support of the First Minister, MPs and MSPs who have expressed their concern at events on the night and have agreed to raise the matter through appropriate channels.
"Regrettably, we also witnessed sectarian singing at the Pamplona match by some of our fans and we are united in our condemnation of this. It is deeply disappointing since we have achieved so much on sectarian behaviour, particularly at Ibrox this season. We all agree that we still have some way to go on this issue and we are very grateful to the fans who have embraced the Club's Pride Over Prejudice policies.
"We are agreed that the strongest possible action should be taken by the Club and supporters against people who continue to indulge in sectarian behaviour. This kind of behaviour will simply result in a doomsday scenario for the Club and the vast majority of fans.
"Since Pamplona, we have held exhaustive and constructive talks on finding the best way forward. It is clear to everyone that the future of fan behaviour lies in the fans' own hands and real improvement in fan behaviour will work best through self-policing. This, of course, will be done in addition to the stringent policing and stewarding measures already enforced by the Club and the police.
"The issue of ticket allocations for away matches has been discussed at length. Although this sends out a strong message to those who let the Club down, it was agreed that, in general, it is not the people who use Rangers ticket allocations who cause the most problems. However, we will review this position again at the end of this season. We remain deeply concerned at Clubs willingly selling tickets to fans at away matches in Europe on the day of the game. This is a matter we will be raising again with UEFA and with clubs Rangers may play in Europe next season. We do not want Rangers fans to travel to away European matches without officially endorsed tickets.
"There is complete unity between the supporters groups and the Club. We agree there are people who refuse to come on board with our anti-sectarian campaign who are bringing the Club's reputation to the brink of ruin. The supporters have pledged to do everything in their power to isolate and shame these people. It is time for everyone to move on. They cannot and will not be allowed to spoil the enjoyment and pride so many take from being part of the Rangers family.
"Our message to them is clear - come on board and show pride in yourselves and your Club. Remember what being a real Rangers supporter is all about. It is about setting standards that should be the envy of clubs around the world.
"Collectively we will also work together to devise a code of conduct for Rangers supporters which we hope to develop into a fans' charter. This work will go on over the next few weeks. We intend to present this to UEFA who may wish to use it as a guide for good practice, as they have done with the work we have done on racism.
"This has been a difficult time for Rangers over the past few weeks but we feel now we can go forward together. There is a renewed determination to eradicate sectarianism and the supporters have an opportunity to demonstrate that this great club - whose pedigree is respected throughout Europe - has a great support that does the Club proud."
The measures to be undertaken include:
> Supporters groups to issue anti-sectarian guidance to all supporters clubs
> Anti-sectarian messages to be featured on all possible websites including Follow Follow fanzine
> Supporters groups and the club to urge fans not to travel to away matches without officially endorsed tickets
> The Club will undertake a major review of the Rangers Travel Club operations
> Supporters to inform fans on songs and chants that 'do Rangers proud'
> Code of conduct to be produced by supporters for supporters
> Players to deliver anti-sectarian messages to supporters' clubs
"Supporters' representatives and the Club agreed at the start of the season a list of songs in the Wee Blue Book and we would urge fans to focus on these at all matches."
Signatories:
Jim Templeton, President,The Rangers Supporters Assembly
Jackie Robertson, Secretary, The Rangers Supporters Assembly
Alex Milree, Scottish Delegate, The Rangers Worldwide Alliance
Roddie Maclean, Scottish Delegate, The Rangers Worldwide Alliance
Ryan McNamee, Scottish Delegate, The Rangers Worldwide Alliance
Mark Dingwall, The Rangers Supporters Trust
Jim Kirk, The Rangers Supporters Association
Sir David Murray, Chairman, Rangers Football Club
Martin Bain, Chief Executive, Rangers Football Club
ENDS