French Interior minister brands Rangers fans, “frequently a source of public disorder”

It has been revealed that the decree issued by the French interior ministry has branded Rangers supporters as hooligans.

Earlier today, it was confirmed that Rangers away allocation for the Europa League tie against Lyon on Thursday has been rescinded by the authorities in France just three days before the game is due to take place, meaning hundreds of fans are set to be left out of pocket and seriously let down.

Now, French outlet RMC has detailed the information set out today by the Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin, effectively banning Gers fans as a collective from the city this week – despite being powerless to stop individual supporters travelling, which will happen meaning many will be in the home end. The responsibility for that inevitable situation lies solely with the powers that be in France.

The information released paints the supporters of the Scottish champions is a negative and derogatory way, which included (translated):

‘To justify this decision to ban Scottish supporters from coming to watch the match in Lyon, the text is based on the recent events which surrounded the trips of the Rangers in the Europa League, “frequently a source of public disorder in the made of violent behavior of certain supporters or individuals availing themselves of the quality of supporter of this team “.’

Backlash

The official decree also includes reference to activity of Rangers supporters in Prague and Copenhagen earlier this season for the other Europa League away games but at this stage te argument is hardly convincing. Why wait to just three days before the event before making a final decision and given that the Lyon festival was well known, why not have the fixtures amended so that Lyon were not due to be at home on Matchday 6?

Others will point to the ongoing diplomatic row between France and the UK with ordinary match going football fans taking the fall, due to matters outwith their control, again.

It is likely that Rangers will comment further once further info materialises and it is certain that this diktat will not be taken well by the Rangers support in what is overall, disgraceful conduct and untimely decision making from the authorities in France.