Benfica fans issued Rangers trip warning after UEFA threat following Toulouse trouble

Rangers' Europa League rivals Benfica have been hit by a warning from their own club chiefs that they must be on their best behaviour at Ibrox this week or UEFA will ban their supporters from their next match away in Europe.

Rangers face the Portuguese giants in Glasgow in the Round of 16 second leg after returning to Scotland with a 2-2 draw from the first leg in Lisbon. But UEFA have just walloped Benfica with a £24,000 fine and a ban from having any fans at away games, suspended for two years, after their supporters caused trouble at their last Europa League tie at Toulouse. And Benfica have taken the unprecedented step of issuing a warning to their own supporters.

They stated: "We have been sanctioned by UEFA with a ban on the sale of tickets to its fans for the next European match to be held away from home, with the penalty suspended for a period of two years. UEFA's decision is based on the setting off of flares and the throwing of objects during the recent Europa League match in Toulouse. The decision also implies the immediate payment of a fine of 28,000 euros.

"In light of UEFA's decision, Benfica reiterates its appeal to its fans to comply with the regulations and refrain from practices that damage the club's image and deprive the team of support that has always been decisive and fundamental for our players. Once again, this is a clear appeal to all fans - support the team, defend the club."

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