RANGERS will continue to take decisive action and issue bans to supporters guilty of misconduct after launching an investigation into the use of pyrotechnics during the win over Livingston this week.
The Ibrox board have been forthright in their battle against discriminatory chanting in recent months as Rangers have found themselves in the UEFA dock this term.
And Managing Director Stewart Robertson has warned that the culprits that smuggled flares and bangers into the Tony Macaroni Arena will be dealt with severely.
He said: “We are working with Livingston and the Police. It is just reckless and we don’t want to see that behaviour at football grounds.
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“The singing from the fans has improved in the last few weeks. I know it has only been a short period of time but the change has been great and the fans have given us everything we have asked for there. But they can’t be bringing flares into grounds and doing what has been done.
“The risk to health, the smoke, the flames and everything that goes with it is not right. Regardless of whether it is a Rangers fan being injured, another team’s fan or an official, we shouldn’t have pyrotechnics in a football ground. It’s just ridiculous.
“We are talking to Livingston and trying identify who was involved. If we do, they will be banned. It’s as simple as that. If people want to run the risk of not getting to the game then they are going the right way about it. We will deal with it.
“Absolutely, they will be banned if found and identified. We saw it with the lad who shouted at Scott Brown outside the ground.
“There was another incident at the Old Firm game where someone shouted at the directors and they have been banned.”
The punishments that Rangers have faced from UEFA have threatened to overshadow a terrific European run from Steven Gerrard’s side this term as they reached the Europa League group stages once again.
UEFA have unveiled plans for a Europa Conference League that will be up and running within two years.
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Robertson admitted European football is ‘fundamental’ to Rangers’ continued growth and highlighted the importance of Scotland’s co-efficient going forward.
He said: “It’s interesting. Peter Lawwell is on the board but we attend the ECB meetings as well. In theory, the new competition should give Scottish clubs a safety net.
“You really want to be involved in the Champions League and Europa League but if we can get in to the top 15 in the standings we would have two teams in the Champions League. In the top 12 it would be one automatic, but that’s maybe a bit away.
“But 15 is doable, if not this year than next. UEFA are trying to be all things to all men at the moment but I think the third competition is a good thing.
“Ultimately it will come down to how much money is allocated to the Europa Conference. If it’s similar to the Europa League then it will be well worth it.”
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