adminRangers share ‘concern, anger and frustration’ of supporters as Europa League visit to Porto turns sour
Supporters of Rangers have formally raised complaints with the club following what they describe as unacceptable treatment at the Estádio do Dragão on Thursday night, as tensions linger after a difficult Europa League outing in Portugal.
While the frustration of fans has dominated headlines in the immediate aftermath of the match, there is also a clear determination within the Rangers camp to ensure that events off the pitch — and disappointment on it — do not undermine their domestic ambitions as the Scottish Premiership season enters a decisive phase.
Rangers have publicly acknowledged the grievances aired by their travelling support and made it clear they are taking the matter seriously.
The club confirmed it has received a number of reports from both supporters and staff relating to problems encountered in and around Porto’s stadium following the 3–1 defeat.
Those issues, according to widespread accounts, included visiting fans being kept inside the ground for an extended period, with some reportedly delayed for up to two hours after the final whistle before being allowed to leave.
In a strongly worded statement, Rangers expressed solidarity with their fans, stressing that the experiences described fall far short of what should be expected when supporters travel abroad to back their team.
The Ibrox side stated that no one who made the journey to Portugal should have been subjected to such treatment and underlined that the club shares the emotions felt by those affected.
The statement made clear that Rangers feel the same sense of concern, anger and frustration as their supporters, and it confirmed that the club will now gather detailed feedback and formal complaints.
These will be pursued with the relevant authorities and stakeholders in an effort to establish exactly what happened and to ensure accountability. By taking this approach, Rangers aim not only to address the immediate concerns but also to help prevent similar situations from arising in future European fixtures.
For many fans, the evening in Porto was already disappointing on the pitch, and the alleged issues surrounding crowd management and post-match procedures only added to the sense of injustice.
Supporters invest significant time, money and emotion into following their club across Europe, and Rangers’ acknowledgment of their grievances is likely to be seen as an important first step in restoring trust and demonstrating that the club values its travelling support.
While the fallout from Thursday night continues to be examined, attention within the squad has already shifted firmly back to football matters, particularly the demands of the domestic campaign. Defender Emmanuel Fernandez has been keen to stress that the Europa League setback should not be allowed to derail Rangers’ pursuit of silverware at home.
The 24-year-old centre-back, who joined Rangers from Peterborough United last July, was directly involved in the Porto defeat, enduring the misfortune of scoring an own goal during the match. Despite that personal disappointment and the broader frustration of the result, Fernandez remains confident in the team’s ability to respond positively.
The loss in Portugal came at a time when Rangers had been enjoying a strong run of form. Prior to the defeat, the club had gone nine matches unbeaten across all competitions, a sequence that had helped restore momentum and belief within the squad.
However, the European campaign has been a challenging one overall, and the result against Porto left Rangers with just four points from a possible 24, confirming their elimination from the competition.
Although European hopes have now faded for the season, the focus quickly turns back to the Scottish Premiership, where Rangers still have plenty to play for.
They face a demanding run of fixtures, starting with a trip to Easter Road to take on Hibernian. That match carries significant importance, as Rangers seek to maintain pressure on league leaders Hearts, who currently sit four points clear at the top of the table.
In addition to their league commitments, Rangers also have a Scottish Cup tie against Queen’s Park on the horizon, offering another opportunity to chase success and keep morale high. With multiple competitions still in play, Fernandez believes the squad has both the quality and the depth to finish the season strongly.
Speaking about the Porto match and the challenges ahead, Fernandez struck a measured and optimistic tone.
He acknowledged the quality of the opposition they faced in Portugal, conceding that Porto posed significant problems on the night. However, he was adamant that the result does not define Rangers or reflect the true level of the team.
According to Fernandez, Rangers remain a very strong side, one that is still developing and capable of producing better performances.
He emphasised that setbacks are part of football and insisted that the key now is how the team responds. For him, the priority is clear: learn from the disappointment, move on quickly, and channel all energy into the competitions that remain.
Fernandez also highlighted the depth of the squad and the sense that Rangers have not yet reached their full potential this season. With a number of players still to return or fully settle into the team, he believes there is more to come in the weeks and months ahead.
The defender pointed out that with 15 league games still to play, the title race is far from decided.
That belief is shared by many within the club, who see the current gap to Hearts as manageable given the number of matches remaining. Consistency will be key, and Rangers know they cannot afford many more slip-ups if they are to overhaul the leaders. However, the squad’s recent form prior to the Porto defeat offers encouragement that they have the resilience and quality required to sustain a title challenge.
Fernandez’s comments also reflected a broader confidence in the group’s mentality. He spoke about the level of talent within the squad and the collective ambition to achieve success before the season concludes.
For him, the combination of league and cup football presents an opportunity rather than a burden, giving Rangers multiple avenues to end the campaign on a positive note.
The defender was also keen to underline the importance of unity during this period. Just as the club has rallied behind supporters following the events in Porto, Fernandez believes that players, staff and fans must remain aligned in pursuit of shared goals. Difficult nights, whether on the pitch or off it, can test a club’s resolve, but they can also serve as moments that strengthen collective determination.
As Rangers prepare for their next Premiership assignment, the challenge will be to quickly put the European disappointment behind them while maintaining focus and intensity.
The visit to Hibernian is unlikely to be straightforward, and every point is now precious in a tightly contested title race. Nonetheless, there is a clear sense that Rangers view this stage of the season as an opportunity to demonstrate character.
In summary, the aftermath of Thursday night’s defeat in Porto has unfolded on two distinct fronts.
Off the pitch, Rangers are investigating serious complaints from supporters who feel they were poorly treated at the Estádio do Dragão, with the club openly sharing the frustration and anger of those affected.
On the pitch, the message from within the squad is one of resilience and optimism, as players like Emmanuel Fernandez insist that European disappointment will not be allowed to undermine domestic ambitions.
With crucial league fixtures ahead and cup competition still to be contested, Rangers’ season is very much alive. How effectively they respond to recent setbacks — both logistical and sporting — may ultimately define the outcome of their campaign.
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