Rangers accuse French police of endangering fans

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

A statement from the Ibrox team said some fans were “in danger” as a result and were left in “severe distress” by the events surrounding the Europa League match, which the The Glasgow club won 4-1.

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

He added that he was in contact with governing body UEFA and Football Fans’ Europe regarding the incidents at the match, held at the Allianz Riviera stadium in Nice.

On your website Rangers said they were “deeply concerned” by several “unacceptable” incidents in Nice.

He said the club had contacted UEFA, FSE and local French authorities before the match as “intelligence” had suggested the match could run into problems.

The club said: “Despite this important work, our supporters were left very disappointed by the draconian security operation imposed by local authorities, which was poorly organized and executed.

“This operation was modified on several occasions without prior notice to Ranger personnel on the ground.

“The heavy-handed tactics used by local police were also unjustified and caused serious distress to many of our supporters.”

He added that the communication given to Rangers in advance had proven incorrect and that fans affected by the events should contact the club.

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