Rangers hit out at 'draconian' Nice security measures as furious statement damns treatment of travelling fans

Rangers have produced a damning statement showing their 'deep concern' over 'unacceptable' incidents as they took on Nice in the Europa League at the Allianz Riviera on Thursday evening - by stating that travelling supporters' safety was jeopardised.

Fans watching at home will have been delighted with the result as Philippe Clement's men won 4-1 on foreign soil, adding to their list of scalps against major European sides in recent years. However, despite their marvellous result, events off the pitch have left Ibrox chiefs unhappy.

With a security operation labelled as 'draconian', Rangers fans had power banks taken off them by 'heavy-handed' officers - and now Rangers have stated that they will remain in dialogue with UEFA over their next steps despite their strong win.

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A club statement read on Friday evening: "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.

"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."