Rangers accuse French police of jeopardising fans

Rangers have accused French police of jeopardising the club’s fans with “draconian” tactics in Nice on Thursday.

A statement from the Ibrox side said some fans were “jeopardised” as a result and left in “serious distress” by events surrounding the Europa League fixture, which the Glasgow club won 4-1.

In an online statement, Rangers said security at the game was “poorly organised and executed” and that guidance given to the club proved to be inaccurate.

It added that it was in contact with governing body UEFA and with Football Supporters’ Europe regarding incidents at the game, held at Nice’s Allianz Riviera ground.

On their website Rangers stated it was “deeply concerned” over several “unacceptable” incidents in Nice.

It said the club had engaged with UEFA, FSE and local French authorities ahead of the fixture, as “intelligence” had suggested the match could have problems.

The club said: “Despite that significant work, our supporters were badly let down by the draconian security operation imposed by the local authorities being poorly organised and executed.

“This operation was changed on several occasions with no prior warning given to Rangers staff on the ground.

“The heavy-handed tactics used by the local police force were also unwarranted and caused serious distress for many of our supporters.”

It added that communication given to Rangers in advance proved incorrect and that supporters affected by events should contact the club.

Rangers moved up to eighth in the Europa League table after the victory, which saw goals from Vaclav Cerny, Mohamed Diomande and a double by Hamza Igamane.