Rangers face €30,000 fine for anti-woke banner in UEFA match

On March 24, 2025, Rangers Football Club, based in Scotland, was penalized by UEFA for an incident that occurred during a Europa League match against Fenerbahce earlier that month. Fans of the club displayed a large banner with the phrase "Keep woke foreign ideologies out - defend Europe" at Ibrox Stadium, which drew criticism for containing racist and discriminatory undertones. As a result, Rangers were fined 30,000 euros. The situation has sparked significant controversy considering both the content of the banner, which was deemed unacceptable by UEFA, and the club's reaction to the actions of a minority of its supporters, highlighting the ongoing tension between fans' expressions and compliance with UEFA's standards. The ruling by UEFA's Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body underscored that such behavior would not be tolerated, leading to a potential closure of the Copland Stand during future matches if any repeat of this nature occurs within a two-year period. Following the ruling, Rangers publicly condemned the actions of the fans who displayed the banner, labeling it as "shameful" and "embarrassing". This response emphasizes the club's commitment to maintaining an inclusive environment, urging supporters not to align with anyone who does not embrace this philosophy in the years ahead. In addition to the fine for the discriminatory banner, Rangers faced further penalties totaling 48,500 euros. These included 8,000 euros for improper conduct of the team, 6,000 euros for blocking public passageways, and 4,500 euros for throwing objects during the match. Rangers expressed disappointment, noting that the actions of a small minority harmed the club's reputation and financial standing, while also potentially affecting the attendance of innocent fans during subsequent key fixtures. The club has expressed intentions to issue lifetime bans for those identified as having displayed the inappropriate banner, reiterating their desire to distance the club from such negative behavior. Moreover, the incident has prompted discussions about fans’ conduct and the implications it holds for the club moving forward, as well as the broader conversation regarding the balance between fan expression and adherence to rules that promote inclusivity and respect in sports.