Rangers defied UEFA’s ban on British teams playing the national anthem before Champions League matches Wednesday tonight as the Scottish side played ‘God Save the King’ through speakers at Ibrox.
With no visiting Napoli fans in tow, due to policing shortages, the Rangers-only crowd first observed a minute’s silence impeccably before the national anthem was then played out over the PA system.
At Chelsea there were plenty of tributes to the Queen and there was an impromptu version of the British national anthem sung by supporters before kick-off, despite guidance not to do so.
UEFA refused ‘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’.
Thousands of Rangers fans arrived armed with flags in tribute to the Queen, while Union Jack flags adorned the outskirts of the stadium ahead of Rangers’ Champions League homecoming. The massive Rangers support however did not prevent the Scottish Premier League giants from losing 3-0 to visiting Napoli.
Napoli’s Politano had converted a penalty in the 68th of the match with Raspodori increasing the tally in the 85th minute. The hommers had thought they had seen the end but had another thing coming when Ndombele grabbed the third goal in the first minute of added time.
