Rangers FC have defied UEFA’s ban and played the national anthem before their Champions League tie tonight against Napoli
as the Scottish side played ‘God Save the King’ through speakers at Ibrox.
Out of respect to the period of mourning for Britain’s Queen Elizabeth, European football’s governing body toned down usual pre-match accompaniments to matches involving British clubs.
A statement earlier posted by the club before the latest round of games said: “There will be no anthems played – this also includes the UEFA Champions League anthem – based on maintaining a consistent pre-match ceremony with a subdued atmosphere and without any celebratory activities across all UK venues to show respect as we did last Thursday.”
UEFA have allowed a period of silence to be observed and black armbands to be worn at all matches featuring teams from the UK, but Rangers are to go one step further.
In a statement posted on Twitter, the club said: “Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II will be honoured this evening at Ibrox with a minute’s silence, a display created by the Union Bears, and a rendition of the Nation Anthem.”
European football’s governing body elected not to play the Champions League anthem before kick-off and black armbands were worn by teams and staff were requested but the anthem was not permitted.
But Rangers chose to completely disregard the UEFA ruling and the PA announcer confirmed before the silence that the British national anthem would follow.
While those actions are outside the parameters set by UEFA, the PA news agency understands it is highly unlikely the Glasgow club will face any kind of sanction.
