Graeme Souness in UEFA blast as Rangers hero takes aim at 'jumped-up' executives after national anthem ban

Fuming Graeme Souness has taken aim at UEFA after the national anthem was banned before this week's Champions League ban - as he lauded Rangers for their defiance.

UEFA had urged British clubs to not sing the the national anthem before kick-off during their group stage games this week following the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, with the country in a period of mourning. However before their clash with Napoli Rangers opted to play 'God Save the King' in tribute to the late monarch and King Charles III as fans sang along while a huge tifo in tribute to the late monarch was unveiled in the Broomloan stand.

The Scottish Premiership side have been praised by some for defying European football's governing body, with Ibrox hero Souness among those giving the club praise. He insists UEFA have no place dictating to club's if they are able to sing the national anthem before their games in a heated take-down of the governing body.

Writing in his Daily Mail column, Souness said: "The coordination and detail which went into the creation of the Queen's silhouette against a Union flag, covering the Broomloan Stand, was magnificent. There was also the playing of the national anthem, despite that utterly ridiculous order from UEFA that they should not.

"The home supporters at Ibrox were always going to sing the anthem and never going to comply with some faceless bureaucrat sitting in Nyon. Dream on if you think that order was going to be adhered to.

"Some jumped-up UEFA executive thinks they can tell us we can't sing our national anthem after our Queen of 70 years dies. It was never going to happen.

"Not play the anthem? Hold on a minute. This is merely football we're talking about. Our monarch passes away and some minion at UEFA