Broomloan Collective, the Rangers supporters group which includes the Union Bears and section BF1 at Ibrox has issued a challenge to the away fan ban for the games against Napoli.
A late ruling due to policing pressures over matters related to the passing of The Queen has meant fans of the Campania club are prohibited from Ibrox on Wednesday with UEFA extending the same diktat on Rangers supporters for the return game in Naples, due to a perceived need for ‘sporting integrity’.
Broomloan Collective @BCollective2021 has outlined its opposition to the the away fan ban for the Rangers v Napoli games and confirmed that it is liaising with @FansEurope on the matter. https://t.co/cy2623kxCJ
— Graeme Hanna (@graeme818) September 12, 2022
The statement from the fan grouping included a criticism of the decision that sees fans out of pocket for flights and generally disregarded with little consideration, which “highlights just how little those who made the decision understand the value of our fan base’s loyalty.”
In confirming that it is consulting with Football Supporters Europe, there will be some hope that a reprieve of sorts can be achieved by BC.
As outlined above, the influential and powerful FSE was able to successfully challenge the ban for Lyon last season and while it may be too late (and the situation too tight) for the Napoli support getting to Ibrox this week, it will be interesting to see what transpires.
The other issue is that these decisions from the football authorities don’t and won’t stop people from travelling, meaning that situations will still need to be dealt with.
Those who give so much to the game, receive so little in return from UEFA, in particular. This is just the latest example.