Football: Rangers consider complaint to Uefa

RANGERS ARE believed to be considering protesting to Uefa, the European governing body, about the treatment their supporters received at the hands of PAOK Salonika's fans. Bob Brannan, the chief executive, is expected to have talks with the chairman, David Murray, within the next couple of days about whether to make an official complaint.

If they do, that could spell trouble for the Greek club, who were banned from European competition for two years in 1992 when fans rioted against Paris St-Germain.

Brannan, along with the security chief, Laurence McIntyre, sat in with the small group of Ibrox supporters at a ground known as the Tomb. Both men were appalled at what developed during the 90 minutes of the Uefa Cup tie that followed. "It was very scary, not at all a pleasant experience," Brannan said. "We were subjected to all sorts of missiles. A flare was thrown, pieces of fencing were aimed at us, bottles were thrown and coins were coming down throughout the 90 minutes. We could have sat in the main stand and distanced ourselves from this but we thought it was the proper thing to do.

"What I must emphasise is the outstanding behaviour of the Rangers supporters in that area. They took all the abuse and did not retaliate. They did the club a lot of credit."

The Rangers fans saw their side hold out for a 0-0 draw to go through to the first round proper, 2-0 on aggregate. But they face stiff opposition when the draw is made tomorrow.

Dick Advocaat, the coach, is fully aware of that. "Although I recognise I have very good players, there are no guarantees," he said. "Who knows, we could be paired with one of the major teams in Europe. I suspect we can look ahead to what will be a very demanding tie.

"On the positive side, I am happy with the way the players are coming together. They are now looking more of a force, although, I have to say, there is still some way to go."

Lorenzo Amoruso, the captain, pulled up with cramp late in the game but should be fit to face St Johnstone on Saturday. Colin Hendry, who was ineligible to play against PAOK, is also expected to return to the defence, even though Craig Moore was superb in midweek.

Pat Nevin, the departing Kilmarnock winger, yesterday insisted he was putting his family first after revealing he is set to leave Rugby Park now the club's European hopes are over for another season.

Nevin will join Motherwell by the end of the week if the Kilmarnock board are prepared to grant his wish to start in a new role at Fir Park. He is wanted by Motherwell's new owner, John Boyle, a long-time friend, to take on an as yet unspecified role at boardroom level as well as continue to play.

However, the 34-year-old, substituted in the second half as Kilmarnock lost 2-0 to the Czech Republic side Sigma Olomouc to end their Uefa Cup run, will have mixed emotions about the move. Nevin said: "It's the toughest decision I've had to make in football by a long way, but I must plan for my family's future. It's a fantastic opportunity and an exciting thing being planned by John at Motherwell. He has some very interesting ideas for the club.

"I've known him for many years and there aren't too many people that could have prised me away from here."