'Pyrotechnics must stop' at Rangers games - chairman

John Gilligan says the repercussions of flares could "become ever-larger" for Rangers

Rangers interim chairman John Gilligan says the "use of pyrotechnics must stop" after the club were fined twice by Uefa.

A fine of approximately £11,500 for flares at the recent Europa League defeat at home by Lyon followed a penalty approaching £15,900 for a similar incident in the earlier fixture away to Malmo, which Rangers won.

Gilligan said of the 4-1 loss to Lyon: "The biggest disappointment of that evening, however, was the actions of a small minority of supporters, whose use of pyrotechnics at the match has seen the club fined €13,750 by Uefa. This is in addition to a €19,000 fine for a similar incident in the match with Malmo.

"My message is the use of pyrotechnics must stop and stop now at all of our matches home and away.

"Not only could the repercussions become ever-larger for the club, many supporters have difficulty coping with the effects of pyrotechnics, whether that be the smoke or loud bangs they produce. It is desperately unfair for any Rangers supporter to come to a match and be affected in such a manner."

Gilligan also confirmed director of football operations Creag Robertson will leave the club "in the coming weeks to pursue new opportunities".

"We must thank Creag for his contribution in several roles since he joined the club in 2016 and we wish him well in his future endeavours," said the interim chairman.

"With Creag moving on, I have seen some reports of the club being without leadership. I can assure you that is not the case with George Letham and myself, who have deep knowledge of business and our great club, working tirelessly alongside our executive management team to continue to drive the club forward."

Gilligan cited director of football recruitment Nils Koppen's recent comments "that planning for the January transfer window is well under way" and added the club "are determined to fill the chairman and CEO roles as quickly as possible".

On the latter, he said: "Our recruitment consultants have already produced short lists of very strong and experienced candidates for both roles."