With the news of a delay to Rangers Champions League fixture against Napoli, supporters of both clubs were dealt a massive blow with the confirmation that no away supporters would be permitted at both games in Group A.
Pressures on policing with the massive operation relating to the death of Queen Elizabeth II is considered to be the main factor in the decision to permit home fans only, as well as being the reason for the match being pushed back 24 hours from Tuesday to Wednesday this week.
As confirmed by Rangers earlier on Sunday:
“Additionally, no away supporters will be present at the match, allowing the club to make additional tickets available to MyGers members as a priority.”
Now, it is bad enough that Rangers fans who have already forked out for flights and other costs for the game in Italy next month will be out of pocket and let down, but to make such a massive call on Napoli fans at just two days notice defies belief.
It is understandable that there are pressures on police and some demands that they can’t meet, but some people will still travel regardless, so there will be work to do.
UEFA’s insistence on ‘sporting integrity’ to apply the same ban on Rangers going to Napoli is a nonsense, as if 2000 fans in the away section of the huge and sprawling Diego Armando Maradona Stadium are going to make a difference to what happens on the pitch.
Sporting integrity, what about solidarity with supporters and offering some form of meaningful compensation?
As usual, it is those who give so much to the game that receive so little in return.