Rangers are set to defy UEFA and play the national anthem prior to their Champions League tie against Napoli at Ibrox.
Out of respect to the period of mourning for Queen Elizabeth II, European football’s governing body toned down usual pre-match accompaniments to matches involving British clubs.
A statement issued before the latest round of games said: “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 are set to defy UEFA and play the national anthem on Wednesday evening
Reuters
Union flags outside Ibrox ahead of Wednesday evening's match
LEE SMITH
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.
But In a statement posted on Twitter on Wednesday afternoon, 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.”
While those actions are outside the parameters set by UEFA, it is understood that it is highly unlikely the Glasgow club will face any kind of sanction.
Speaking about the then reported plans GB News' Nigel tweeted earlier on Wednesday: "Time we threatened to leave European football. Without us they would be nothing."
The position is in contrast with all EFL matches, where the anthems were being played on Tuesday and Wednesday.
An EFL statement reads: “A minute’s silence will be held before matches, with black armbands to be worn by participants, flags to be flown at half-mast and the national anthem to be played in stadiums."