Rangers 'in almost impossible situation' as Lyon make supporter U-turn

Rangers say the club has been left “frustrated” after the French government said away fans could attend their Europa League game with Lyon, less than 24 hours after announcing that no visiting supporters would be allowed into the stadium.

The authorities had said that a local festival taking place this week meant that there was insufficient policing resource to handle the 2,200 Rangers fans who had been sold tickets the week before.

That move brought criticism from Rangers but the club informed their support that they could not see the game, and subsequently cancelled the plane booked to transport fans from Glasgow.

Following the u-turn from the French government, Rangers say they are in talks with their travel partners but have been left in “an almost impossible situation.

A club statement read: “This morning, we have been informed that the previous decision by the French government regarding our away ticket allocation has now been overturned.

“Rangers Football Club finds itself in an almost impossible situation.

“We welcome the updated position that our supporters are now able to access the stadium on Thursday night in Lyon, France. Nevertheless, we understand that the situation continues to cause uncertainty and frustration with many supporters having cancelled their flights and/or accommodation.

“We are currently dealing with CTM and Sports Options to ascertain if they now intend to travel to this match. Our corporate flight which was cancelled yesterday cannot be rearranged due to the short timescale involved.

“We are currently liaising with OL regarding ticket distribution arrangements for those supporters who manage to make alternative travel arrangements to the match. A further communication will be available later today or early tomorrow to confirm uplift arrangements.

“We apologise for the inconvenience caused to our support who will share our frustration at this situation.”

Rangers have already qualified for the knockout stages of the Europa League and cannot catch group winners Lyon regardless of Thursday’s result.