Rangers accuse French police of putting fans at risk as scathing statement rips into DRACONIAN security
Raging Rangers say they are 'deeply concerned' with how their supporters were treated in Nice - slamming a 'draconian security operation' and 'heavy-handed' policing.
Thousands of Rangers fans made the trip to the south of France for the Europa League clash but reports emerged from the Allianz Riviera Stadium accusing police and local security of over-the-top and harsh treatment of supporters. One report suggested fans were 'kettled in' and crushed inside the stadium, with at least one accusing police of assault.
Now Rangers have released a scathing statement which reads: "Rangers FC is deeply concerned over several unacceptable incidents in Nice last night where our supporters’ safety was jeopardised. For some weeks now, the club has engaged with UEFA, Football Supporters’ Europe (FSE) and the local French authorities, with intelligence suggesting this match had potential to be problematic based on the experiences of other visiting clubs.
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"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. Much of the communication provided to Rangers in advance also proved to be incorrect, with items such as power banks taken for storage during the match.
"The heavy-handed tactics used by the local police force were also unwarranted and caused serious distress for many of our supporters. The club remains in dialogue with UEFA and FSE, and is inviting supporters affected by events last night to contact SLO@rangers.co.uk with details, images and video footage.
"The club want to put on record our thanks to our supporters for their backing last night, and for their patience as these issues were dealt with."
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