Fans banned for Uefa Cup violence

Hundreds of fans fought running battles with police after the final

Five Rangers fans involved in the violence that erupted after the Uefa Cup final in Manchester have been banned from every stadium in Scotland.

At least 15 police officers were injured and 42 fans arrested when trouble flared after Rangers lost 2-0 to Zenit St Petersburg on 14 May.

Strathclyde Police confirmed it had succeeded in obtaining Football Banning Orders against the five fans.

The orders forbid them from entering any football ground in the country.

The people involved were arrested by officers from Greater Manchester Police shortly after the match.

The club supports the strongest action taken against those whose actions undermined the good behaviour of the overwhelming majority of supporters Rangers spokesman

Strathclyde Police said two of the banning orders had been granted at Hamilton Sheriff Court on Wednesday, with a further two granted at Glasgow Sheriff Court on Friday.

Ch Supt Robin Howe said: "This sends a strong message to those who think they can continue to be disruptive and disorderly when going to football matches and we will take all necessary steps to prevent these individuals from ruining the sport for everyone else with their antisocial behaviour."

The Crown Office said that Football Banning Orders had to be for a minimum of three years.

A spokesman for Rangers said the Glasgow club fully supported the action taken by the police.

He added: "From the outset, we have said anyone involved in the disturbances would be banned from Ibrox indefinitely and the club supports the strongest action taken against those whose actions undermined the good behaviour of the overwhelming majority of supporters who travelled to Manchester for the UEFA Cup Final.

"Rangers is continuing to liaise with Strathclyde Police and Greater Manchester Police on the identification and prosecution of those involved in the disturbances."

More than 130,000 Rangers fans travelled to Manchester to watch the match.

Police later released CCTV footage showing Pc Mick Regan being kicked, punched and stamped on by a mob of bottle-throwing fans.