Thousands of Rangers fans march on Hampden

Thousands of Rangers fans have marched on Hampden in Glasgow to highlight concerns about the future of the club.

They are worried about sanctions being imposed by the football authorities.

It follows last week's decision by the Scottish Football Association to impose a £160,000 fine and 12-month transfer embargo on the club.

Strathclyde Police chief superintendent Andy Bates said: "There were no arrests and I'm delighted at the way that the supporters conducted themselves."

Earlier, the police had appealed to supporters to "protest peacefully", despite the fact that passions were running high among fans.

The march set off at Queen's Park in the city at 13:30, before making its way to the National Stadium.

Supporters proceeded along Queen's Drive, Cathcart Road, Prospecthill Road, and Aikenhead Road to Hampden. A static rally was then held.

<bold>Potential sanctions</bold>

Sandy Jardine of the Rangers Fighting Fund said: "Since the club has gone into administration, the fans have been magnificent in their support and the rally gives the fans an opportunity to demonstrate their commitment to saving our beloved Rangers from the proposed sanctions."

He later added: "There is a feeling within the supporter's group that we've been kicked that much, that if we have to, we'll go to the third division.

"We'll wait and see what sanctions come about, if any. And after that is done, then we will take appropriate action."

Following the SFA judicial panel's decision to impose the transfer embargo on the club, its three members had their names leaked online.

They later received "abusive and threatening communication".

Strathclyde Police has warned that anyone caught making threats to the panel online will be punished.

An SFA spokesperson said: "We are now in receipt of the letter signed on behalf of the Rangers support and are grateful that today's event passed peacefully.

"We appreciate the frustrations of the Rangers support during this period of uncertainty and today's march showed the depth of feeling towards the club.

"The Scottish FA exists to govern with the best interests of the game at all times and will continue to do so throughout this challenging time for the Scottish game."

Yesterday, two takeover bids were submitted to the Rangers' administrators Duff and Phelps.

One is from the Blue Knights - fronted by former Ibrox director Paul Murray - and the other is from American businessman Bill Miller.

Both bids are subject to conditions with the Blue Knights seeking a Company Voluntary Agreement (CVA) with creditors, and Mr Miller's bid depending on the outcome of further potential sanctions from the football authorities.