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Claymores · 29-04-2011, 12:15 PM

Not only 5 parcel bombs involved to fans - this:

"Rangers fined and fans banned from next away match in Europe by Uefa

• Rangers punished for 'discriminatory chanting' at PSV
• Uefa imposes suspended supporter ban for next home game

Rangers have been fined €40,000 (£35,500) and will not be permitted any supporters at their next away game in European competition after fans were found guilty of discriminatory chanting during last month's Europa League tie against PSV in Eindhoven. An identical ban for a second away match was suspended for a three-year probationary period.

Crucially for the club, the penalty of a closed-doors European game at Ibrox has also been suspended – along with a separate €40,000 fine – for the same length of time. Those sanctions related to disciplinary reports from the home leg against PSV. A home match European ban would cost Rangers a seven-figure sum.

But Martin Bain, the Rangers chief executive, still aimed his fire towards the Football Against Racism in Europe group (Fare), which he feels was heavily influential in this affair after it provided evidence to Uefa. Bain said: "We have had serious concerns about the integrity of the evidence compiled by the Fare organisation and that remains the case.

"We are also of the opinion that Fare has been influenced by people who make it their business to damage our club in any way they can. We are committed to the eradication of sectarianism and believe it would have been more constructive for Fare to work with our club rather than against it. Instead, they submitted evidence to Uefa with a clear objective in mind and have shown a complete lack of transparency or accountability when asked for clarification on various aspects of that evidence."

Any prospect of a Rangers appeal is offset by the fact this was the third time within five years that they have been punished by European football's governing body on account of sectarian singing. The penalty, as Bain knows, may well have been heavier.

"The club put its own case very forcibly to Uefa and the more draconian sanctions that were recommended by the disciplinary inspector have been mitigated to a degree," Bain admitted.

"It is abundantly clear from this decision that if there is any sectarian singing at future matches the suspended bans will take effect. Those fans who engage in such activity need to take that message on board.

"We will consider our position when we receive the written reasons for the decision, which are expected in a week or so," said Bain

SAD DAYS FOR SCOTTISH FITBA