Rangers blast Benfica Europa League kick-off time as UEFA appeal rejected

Rangers chiefs have shared their disappointment after official confirmation of an early kick-off in the second-leg tie against Benfica at Ibrox.

The Ibrox team will first fly to Portugal for the opening leg of their last-16 match, which is scheduled to begin at 8 p.m. against Benfica.

On March 14, the second leg at Ibrox will, however, begin at 5:45 p.m. because of “broadcaster commitments”.

Despite a “robust case being made to UEFA” for the match to be played in the customary 8pm time, Ibrox chiefs have expressed their dismay at the decision.

“Rangers, on behalf of our supporters, are disappointed to learn that our Round of 16 Europa League home match with Benfica, on Thursday, March 14, will kick-off at 17:45,” the club website stated in a statement.

“A strong argument was presented to UEFA to have the match in the customary 20:00 hour, but it will now start much earlier due to broadcaster obligations, which will probably cause our supporters a great deal of difficulty and disruption.

“The club fully sympathises with our loyal supporters for the additional sacrifices they may need to make to attend the match, with this issue falling totally outside of our control.”

Rangers vs Benfica round of 16 fixture dates