American businessman Andrew Cavenagh will have to consider the mounting costs associated with unruly fan behavior as he moves forward with his Rangers takeover.
That’s according to Hugh Keevins, who weighed in after the club took a firm stance in response to disciplinary action from UEFA and the SPFL.
Rangers issued a strong statement following a UEFA charge that could see the Copland Road Stand closed for a future match after the Union Bears displayed a banner deemed “racist and/or discriminatory” during the Europa League clash with Fenerbahce.
The club vowed to impose lifetime bans on those responsible, while also confirming that groups involved in using pyrotechnics during the recent derby against Celtic would be directly impacted by the 500-ticket reduction sanctioned by the SPFL.
Ahead of Saturday’s match against Dundee, Rangers supporters were also warned about their behavior, given that a previous pyrotechnic display at Dens Park two years ago triggered a smoke alarm and temporarily halted the game.
Keevins believes that Cavenagh, leading the takeover effort, along with Paraag Marathe’s 49ers Enterprises, will be keeping a close eye on the financial implications of these incidents.
Writing in Mail Sport, he noted: “Every fine Rangers receive, such as the latest from UEFA for fans displaying a ‘racist and/or discriminatory’ banner, is an added cost that 49ers Enterprises will inherit if their takeover goes through.”
He added that Cavenagh, working from the U.S., must consider these financial burdens before finalizing the deal, as the accumulated debts are already significant.
It’s no surprise, Keevins suggested, that Rangers are now handing out lifetime bans in an effort to clean up their image for potential buyers.
He remarked: “When your ‘strongest asset’—as Rangers called their fan base—becomes a liability due to the reckless actions of a few, something drastic needs to happen.”
With UEFA warning that a full stand could be closed if fans violate the terms of their suspended sentence in the next two years, Keevins stressed that such sanctions would be a major obstacle for those looking to rebuild the club and stabilize its finances.
Adding to the concerns, Rangers still face a high-stakes European clash against Athletic Bilbao, where maintaining discipline will be crucial.
Implications of Leeds United’s Title Stumble
Keevins’ comments come at a time when Leeds United’s struggles in the English Championship could have major consequences for the Rangers takeover, as the 49ers Enterprises group is involved with both clubs.
EFL regulations prohibit a person or group from owning more than one British club, meaning the 49ers could face a conflict if they finalize their stake in Rangers while Leeds remains outside the Premier League.
Unlike the EFL, the Premier League has no such ownership restrictions—making promotion to the top flight a crucial factor for both Leeds and Rangers supporters.
Leeds boss Daniel Farke recently insisted that winning their remaining four home games would be enough to secure promotion and the estimated £80m financial windfall that comes with it.
Before the Swansea clash, Farke stated: “Four wins would take us to 92 points, and it’s not as if we’ll lose all our away games. If we need more points, be sure Leeds United will get them.”
He also guaranteed: “If our fans help us win those four home games, we will go up—100 per cent.”
However, that confidence was immediately tested as Leeds were held to a 1-1 draw, dropping them from the top of the table to two points behind Sheffield United.
Now sitting ahead of third-placed Burnley on goal difference, the pressure is mounting—not just in Yorkshire, but also in Glasgow, where the outcome could shape the future of both clubs.
