RANGERS has warned fans singing sectarian songs if they can’t behave in a “civilised” way, stay away from Ibrox.

Fans face a wait to find out if they will miss the club’s Europa League play-off after UEFA ordered the club to close a section of Ibrox for the match.

European football’s governing body ordered the closure of a section of at least 3000 seats following racist behaviour, which includes sectarian singing at a match in July against St Joseph’s from Gibraltar.

READ MORE: UEFA orders Rangers to close a section of Ibrox

Rangers has accepted the decision but has yet to announce which section of Ibrox will be closed for the match.

The club released a strongly worded statement condemning those who continue to defy warnings about sectarian behaviour, stating Rangers is not the club for them.

Some fans on supporters’ forums were angry that they could miss the match but most backed the club’s statement urging those indulging in sectarian singing to stop.

Following the sanction the club issued a statement that warnings had fallen on “deaf ears” and decent supports will “pay a penalty”.

READ MORE: Graeme McGarry on the UEFA decision

The statement said: “Unfortunately a significant number of supporters, innocent of any wrong doing, will be unable to attend next week’s match. This is deeply regrettable to all at the Club and we hope that the guilty parties, who attracted the attention of UEFA might reflect on the damage their unacceptable behaviour is causing Rangers and their fellow supporters.

“If any individual supporter is unable to behave in a civilised manner then please stay away from Ibrox and our Club. You are harming Rangers and that is something a genuine supporter would never wish to do.”

Dave King Rangers, chairman said: “Rangers is a club open to all and we will continue to convey this message at every opportunity through our Everyone Anyone initiative.

“Rangers has players and supporters from many religions, cultures and backgrounds but we are one and the same when we gather to support our club. If any supporter cannot accept that then Rangers is not the club for them”.

A thread on a fans’ forum asked “Legia sold out. So which 3000 won’t be allowed to attend?”

While some fans said the club should be appealing many were backing the board calls to stamp it out and called for the club oi work with fans who are singing the offending songs/chants.

Others were angry the decision was taken after all tickets had been sold.

Campaigners said that Scottish football authorities can learn from their European counterparts.

Dave Scott, of anti-sectarian charity Nil By Mouth, said the swift action shows Scottish football is lagging behind in tackling sectarianism.

He said: “Compare the strict liability in Europe with the zero liability we have in Scotland.

“This happened just over a month ago and it has been fairly investigated and a decision made that has been accepted by the club.

“The SPFL actions show how far behind Scottish Football has become.

“The statement from the club is strong. Should Rangers now be engaging with the most important part of he club, the supporters and get in touch with he 50,000 or so season ticket holders to ask what they want.

“The solution to this is going to come from the supporter. If the vast majority say they want and end to this behaviour then they can go to the minority with that message.”

Jordan Allison Campaign manager of Show Racism the Red Card said: “Rangers has issued a strong condemnation of a particular group of fans.

“We support anything that will rid sectarianism form the game.

“the 300 seats is a warning. It could be more if it is not heeded.

“We are pushing for more direct involvement with the clubs. the more we can do with education the better.”

The SPFL said it wouldn’t comment as it was related to a European competition tie.