Rangers‘ Europa League clash with Sparta Prague in the Czech capital will be played behind closed doors, HITC have learned.
Steven Gerrard’s Scottish champions are due to take on Sparta on September 30 and fans of both Rangers and Sparta will not be allowed in as the Czech side face punishment for several breaches of UEFA rules by their supporters when they faced Monaco last month.
While UEFA’s website lists a number of offences they are investigating, no decision has publicly been announced by them.
After fans on social media began reporting they had been told fans wouldn’t be allowed in, Sparta confirmed UEFA have ruled only local children should be given access – meaning Rangers fans will have to watch at home.
“The UEL game AC Sparta Praha – Rangers FC should be played behind closed doors,” a spokesperson for Sparta told HITC.
“This is restriction unfortunately for both home and visiting fans.
“There is only one exception: local kids no older than 14 years of age could visit the game (only for free). This is the decision of the UEFA.”
While Rangers fans hoping to make a trip to Prague to see the Light Blues in action will be left disappointed, there is still the possibility of away days in Denmark and France when they face Brondby and Lyon.
Sparta fans are accused of discriminatory behaviour, provocative offensive messages and throwing missiles at Monaco players when they met in a Champions League qualifier at the start of August.
The prospect of a quick-fire return to Prague after the shameful scenes when Rangers hosted Sparta’s city rivals Slavia had led to concerns Rangers players could come in for more abuse.
However, with the Czech side having to play the game behind closed doors, it should reduce the chances of any flashpoints within the ground.
Hopefully, the game can pass without any incident though and Rangers can stay focused on progression from their group and reaching the knockout rounds.
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