Rangers are facing a fresh SPFL probe into the use of pyrotechnics among supporters – just days after being hit with new UEFA sanctions.
The Ibrox club were fined £17,291 earlier this week and warned their fans could be locked out of European matches after being hit with a one-game suspended ban.
That came after a pyro display among the away support during last month’s 6-0 defeat away at Club Brugge in a Champions League qualifier.
Rangers also have another charge and a partial stadium closure hanging over their head relating to a banner displayed in a Europa League match against Fenerbahce last season.
In a club statement addressing the matter on Friday, they revealed that the SPFL have also launched an investigation into the use of pyro in the match away at Motherwell last month.
Fans in the away end at Fir Park set off blue smoke bombs ahead of the league game on the opening day, which finished in a 1-1 draw.
Rangers have already been punished by UEFA for the use of pyros in the Club Brugge clash
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Now the Ibrox club also face an SPFL investigation for the use of pyro at Motherwell
The club statement read: ‘Rangers FC acknowledges the outcome of the UEFA disciplinary case following last month’s away match against Club Brugge.
‘The club has been fined €20,000 for the use of pyrotechnics before kick-off. UEFA has also imposed a suspended one-match ban on away ticket sales in European competition which will be triggered if a similar incident occurs within the next two years.
‘It is clear that UEFA and domestic authorities are taking a firmer stance on the use of pyrotechnics and the unnecessary safety risks created for supporters, players, stewards, and emergency services.
‘The consequences are already being felt, with sanctions now in place across multiple competitions.
‘Following the use of pyrotechnics at fixtures at Hampden Park last season, the SPFL will reduce our ticket allocation by 500 at the next Premier Sports Cup semi-final at Hampden.
‘Any further pyrotechnic incidents at future SPFL or Premier Sports Cup matches may result in an additional reduction of 800 to our ticket allocation.
‘The SPFL has also opened an investigation into the use of smoke bombs during the match at Motherwell on the opening day of the season, which we are currently in the process of responding to.
‘Separately, a suspended closure of the Copland Stand remains in place following last season’s match against Fenerbahce, in response to the display of a banner deemed to be discriminatory.’
Urging supporter to behave themselves, the statement continued: ‘While these incidents involved different circumstances and different groups, the risk of reduced ticket allocations and potential stand closures is now very real.
‘Additionally, while the fines received do not have the same direct impact on fans, they divert resources from other areas and weaken the club.
‘We know that many supporters are frustrated as a result of this and we have received requests to take action against the fans responsible.
‘We are reviewing our next steps internally and will discuss with fan groups, including the Fan Advisory Board, to ensure a fair and responsible outcome.
‘Ultimately, we all want the same thing, a strong Rangers, backed by a support that lifts the team and reflects the very best of who we are and what we stand for.’
