Following the Champions League match at Estádio do Dragão, the club has addressed concerns about the treatment of Rangers’ away supporters held back for several hours after full time. The statement underlines the club’s commitment to supporter welfare and ongoing dialogue with authorities.
Incident Overview in Porto
During the Champions League match between Porto and Rangers at Estádio do Dragão, reports emerged about the treatment of Rangers’ away supporters. The club has acknowledged these concerns and issued a formal statement to clarify the events and reaffirm its stance on supporter welfare.
Specifically, the incident occurred after the full time whistle, with fans being held back for several hours, raising significant concerns about their treatment and safety following the match.
Official Club Statement on the Incident
The club expressed regret over any distress caused to away supporters during their visit to Porto. It emphasised that it does not condone any form of mistreatment or unacceptable behaviour towards fans, regardless of location or allegiance.
The statement highlights the club’s commitment to maintaining high standards of fan welfare and ensuring positive experiences for all supporters, whether home or away.
Context of European Travel Challenges
This incident reflects a series of similar occurrences faced by British clubs visiting European venues, where local police and security forces have been implicated in controversial actions against visiting fans.
So far, no club has found a definitive solution to prevent such treatment, underscoring the complexities of ensuring supporter safety across different countries and security protocols.
Commitment to Supporter Welfare
The club reaffirmed its dedication to providing a safe and welcoming environment for every fan, regardless of where matches are played. It stresses that football should be a positive experience free from fear or discrimination.
Although the club cannot directly control security abroad, it remains committed to supporting its fans in all environments and working towards improvements.
Engagement with Authorities and Supporters
The club confirmed it is engaging constructively with relevant authorities and supporter groups to better understand the full context of the reported issues in Porto.
It supports ongoing investigations and intends to collaborate closely to ensure that any concerns are addressed and lessons learned for future fixtures.
Looking Forward to Improvements
The club is reviewing the events surrounding the Porto match to identify potential improvements in how it supports fans travelling abroad and communicates with local authorities.
It looks forward to continuing to host and support fans in the spirit of friendly competition and mutual respect on the European stage.
Fan take
Supporters have shared a range of reactions to the club’s statement. Some praise the transparency and the acknowledgment of the wider European context, while others seek more detailed explanations or stronger actions to protect fans abroad.
Discussions remain active across social media and fan forums, highlighting the importance supporters place on feeling safe and respected wherever they follow their team.
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