SOCCER:RANGERS SUPPORTERS have been banned from attending the club's next away fixture in Europe after being found guilty of discriminatory chanting during both legs of the Europa League tie against PSV Eindhoven last month.

Uefa imposed the sanction after a hearing in front of their control and disciplinary body in Nyon yesterday. A second match ban has also been imposed, but suspended pending a period of monitoring of Rangers fans’ conduct.

Rangers have also been hit with a potentially costly one-match home supporter ban for a European game, although that punishment – plus a €40,000 fine – has been suspended for three years.

Uefa has, though, immediately fined Rangers €40,000 for episodes of chanting, which it has been convinced were sectarian in nature, at the game in Eindhoven.

A Uefa statement said: “Following a charge of discriminatory behaviour at the first leg match against PSV Eindhoven on 10 March 2011, Rangers FC have been fined €40,000 and the club is restricted from selling any tickets to its supporters for two away matches in Uefa club competitions (with the respective home clubs also not authorised to sell tickets to Rangers FC supporters).

“This ban applies to Rangers FC’s next away match and is suspended for the second away match for a probationary period of three years.

“The control and disciplinary body also fined the Scottish club a further €40,000 for discriminatory behaviour at the second leg match on 17 March and ordered Rangers FC to play their next home Uefa club competition match behind closed doors.

“This sanction is however deferred for a probationary period of three years.”

Rangers had been braced for a severe penalty as this represents the third time they have been hauled before European football’s governing body for such offences.

In 2006 after a game in Villarreal, Uefa fined the club for the discriminatory behaviour of their followers. A year later another fine was issued after Rangers’ meeting with Osasuna in Pamplona.

Rangers have been riled by the circumstances of this season’s case, going on record with their belief that undue attention is focused towards their supporters. Uefa dismissed such a notion but it now remains to be seen if Rangers will challenge their latest sanction.