sport news Rangers DEFY ban from UEFA not to play the national anthem trends now
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Rangers defied UEFA's ban on British teams playing the national anthem before Champions League matches tonight as the Scottish side played 'God Save the King' through speakers at Ibrox.
There was a growing sense throughout the day that Rangers and Chelsea, who saw supporters encouraged by a fan group to 'belt out' the anthem before their match with Red Bull Salzburg, would both disregard the anthem ruling from UEFA.
With no visiting Napoli fans in tow, due to policing shortages, the Rangers-only crowd 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.
Sportsmail exclusively revealed this week that UEFA turned down requests from British clubs to play the national anthem before European matches on Wednesday night following the Queen's death.
Manchester City, Chelsea and Rangers all made pleas to be given licence to play God Save the King ahead of their home fixtures.
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'.
European football's governing body elected not to play
