'Mindless minority' condemned

Gers fans clash with police

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Scottish FA chief executive Gordon Smith has blasted the 'mindless minority' of Rangers supporters who were involved in the violence which marred Wednesday's Uefa Cup final.

The clashes in Manchester broke out after Zenit St Petersburg defeated Rangers 2-0 and fans went on the rampage when a big screen showing the match in the city's Piccadilly Gardens failed to work just before kick-off.

Fifteen officers were injured, as well as a police dog, and 42 arrests were made as hundreds of riot police and supporters fought running battles. One supporter of Zenit was stabbed, but his injuries were not life-threatening.

It was confirmed on Thursday that 11 fans have been charged by police.

Shamed

Smith said: "I absolutely condemn this mindless minority who have so shamed our country with their actions.

"Tens of thousands of people went to Manchester and behaved impeccably and were wonderful ambassadors for Rangers and Scotland.

"Unfortunately the headlines are all about the people who could not behave and we all hope that they are caught and are made to pay for their foolish actions."

Stephen Smith of the Rangers Supporters' Trust said: "It was a very small minority who were responsible and the vast majority were a credit to the club.

"We would want any of those individuals who are identified to be receiving punitive sanctions from the club, and I am sure they will."

Dreadful

Rangers chief executive Martin Bain added: "Those scenes obviously are dreadful and I've seen them myself and we have been informed ... that those scenes were caused by supporters that don't normally attach themselves to our support.

"Therefore we're extremely disappointed and we'll do everything we possibly can to help Manchester police find out who those perpetrators are.

Communications director William Gaillard confirmed Uefa is not planning to take any action against Rangers. He told Sky Sports News: "No, at this stage we are not.

Handling

"We are still reviewing the situation. We have received one report and we are waiting for a second one.

"There was an attempt at a pitch invasion on the part of some of the Zenit fans and again we have to look at the report before deciding if our control and disciplinary (body) will take up the matter.

"The overwhelming majority of fans behaved in the proper way. A very small minority caused some trouble. In terms of disciplinary procedures we can only deal with what happens at the stadium or within the perimeter of the stadium.

"The performance of the local organising committee, including the city government and the police and also the citizens of Manchester, has been fantastic.

"We're all extremely pleased and grateful for what they've done. If anything, it probably enhances English chances (of hosting major football events)."