Glasgow Rangers’ clash with Real Betis in the Europa League next week has been deemed ‘high risk’ by Spanish authorities, who are expecting a Scottish ‘invasion of fans’.
That’s according to Mundo Deportivo, who cover the situation today and how ‘havoc’ caused by Rangers fans last year is now having consequences this season.
Rangers take on Betis on Thursday in the final game of their Europa League group stages where the top place in Group C is up for grabs.
Betis currently lead the group with nine points while Rangers sit second with eight points, meaning it is all to play for at the Benito Villamarin.
Authorities in Spain are expecting an ‘invasion of fans’ to travel from Ibrox to back Rangers as a result and as such have deemed the fixture as ‘high risk’ in terms of policing and safety.
According to Mundo, the Permanent Commission of the State Commission against Violence, Racism, Xenophobia and Intolerance in Sports have deemed the fixture as such thanks to its important and also because of the actions of Rangers fans last season.
They’re expecting an invasion of Rangers fans to back Philippe Clement’s side, many who are unlikely to have tickets for the game, as this is a usual occurrence, with a ‘Scottish tide’ regularly following the club abroad.
That was the case last year when they visited Madrid for a clash with Real Madrid in the Champions League, causing ‘havoc’ as they passed through the capital.
That wave of Scottish fans ‘caused some incidents’ and even led to some areas being evacuated, with 7,000 Rangers supporters turning up despite only 3,500 having tickets.
Those in charge in Betis believe that could be repeated on Thursday and so the fixture has been deemed high risk, with 1,800 police set to be sent out in hope of keeping things under control.
