In breaking news this evening, UEFA will not be taking any subsequent action against Rangers for the club’s decision to play the UK national anthem following the minute’s silence of respect for Queen Elizabeth II.
UEFA had received requests from British clubs hosting games this week, including Rangers, Man City and Chelsea, to sing the anthem prior to kick off but the response received from Nyon was a negative one, whilst other arrangements including the provision of a minute’s silence had been agreed.
However, in a show of defiance, Rangers decided to ignore UEFA, paving way for a very iconic moment at the famous old stadium on Wednesday night. Now it transpires that no further action will be taken, as reported by Sam Cunningham.
A Uefa spokesperson told i Sport : “The incident you refer to is not the subject of any Uefa disciplinary proceedings.”
UEFA back down following Rangers decision and defiance on the national anthem 👇🏼 https://t.co/UNSKRJsoOz
— Graeme Hanna (@graeme818) September 15, 2022
Given the significant national press interest over the tributes last night, this is a PR win for Rangers as well as a rare example of UEFA showing leniency…and common sense.
It could be that the suits decided that it was not worth the bad publicity over such a massive international event, taking into account the special allowances that they had already made. For things like this, a less stuffy, officious approach is all that is required but it is the opposite that UEFA is renowned for.
The collective approach from Rangers in going ahead with the national anthem as well as the stunning visual display from the Union Bears has paid off even if a fine was to follow but that will not be the case following the update from UEFA.
A welcome decision, overall.