Rangers warn fans about sectarian singing in Manchester United game

Rangers have issued a warning to supporters over possible Uefa punishment of the club for sectarian singing ahead of the match with Manchester United at Ibrox. The Scottish champions have been subject to scrutiny and punishment from European football's governing body before on account of the conduct of their fans and sectarian singing has made a comeback at recent Rangers matches. A statement read: "The light blues have been informed by a number of sources that sectarian behaviour will put the club at serious risk of punishment from Uefa and other footballing authorities. This includes the singing of songs such as the Billy Boys which is banned by Uefa." In making what he hopes will be a pre-emptive strike, the Rangers chief executive, Martin Bain, added: "The majority of our supporters agree that sectarian singing has no place at Rangers and, working together, the fans and the club have made great strides in recent years to address this behaviour. "Indeed, a number of fans themselves have raised the issue of sectarian singing recently and the club made an appeal at our AGM for it to stop, which was overwhelmingly backed by those present. "Unfortunately, there are still those who ignore the club and their fellow fans, with no regard for the consequences of their actions. We are making it very clear to supporters we have reliable information that if sectarian singing is evident at our matches, it will put the club at serious risk of punishment and also puts supporters at risk of arrest. "Our position as a club is that we condemn all forms of sectarian behaviour and we are united with our supporters groups in trying to eradicate it. Fans who engage in such behaviour only let themselves, other supporters and the club down."