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Rangers accuse French police of jeopardising fans

EPA Rangers fans at the match with Nice, many dressed in replica kits. Many of the supporters are chanting and singing, while banners are draped around their section listing which area they are from. EPA
Rangers said their fans had been out at risk because of the way French police handled the match

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.

EPA Rangers players celebrate their 4-1 win - several of the players, wearing their kit or training tops, are applauding fans after the matchEPA
Rangers' win took them eighth in the Europa League table

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.