Rangers set to ignore UEFA with planned tribute to Queen

Rangers will play the national anthem ahead of the Champions League clash against Napoli, seemingly defying direction from UEFA.

The passing of Queen Elizabeth II last Thursday has impacted the football schedule, with the weekend’s action being called off and a period of silence set to take place before this week’s continental matches involving British sides – except in the game between Shakhtar Donetsk and Celtic.

Ahead of the match, Rangers confirmed they would pay respects with an additional tribute, with the national anthem to be played before kick-off in Glasgow.

“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,” Rangers said on Twitter.

“If you are attending tonight’s match, we encourage all supporters to be in their seat for 19:50.”

In a statement issued to Stats Perform, UEFA declared that no anthems would be played in this week’s fixtures, including the Champions League anthem.

UEFA’s statement read: “There will be no anthems played – this also includes the UEFA Champions League anthem – on the basis of 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.”

Rangers were set to face Napoli on Tuesday, but the match was pushed back to Wednesday due to the difficulties of staging such an event in Glasgow while the Queen’s procession moved through Scotland.

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.

If you are attending tonight’s match, we encourage all supporters to be in their seat for 19:50.

— Rangers Football Club (@RangersFC) September 14, 2022