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Rangers: Stephen McGowan says Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan Stadium too small for Europa League final

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Image for Rangers: Stephen McGowan says Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan Stadium too small for Europa League final

Football writer Stephen McGowan has claimed that the venue for Rangers’ Europa League final is a ‘weird’ choice by UEFA due to its size.

Having overcomes the likes of Borussia Dortmund, Red Star Belgrade, Braga and RB Leipzig, the Scottish outfit will now face Eintracht Frankfurt with a shot at winning their first European trophy since 1972.

While their fans have been flocking to Spain ahead of the match, McGowan noted something unusual about the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan Stadium in Seville where the game will take place.

Is the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan Stadium suitable for the final?

Yes

Yes

No

No

Indeed, taking to Twitter, the journalist claimed that it was ‘too small’ to host a fixture of such magnitude.

He wrote: “Nice stadium, but a weird choice by UEFA. Too small to host a European final.”

TIF Thoughts on the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan Stadium and Rangers…

Interestingly enough, the stadium has actually reduced its capacity over the years. Indeed, when it was completed in 1958, it had an initial capacity of 70,329 supporters. This was reduced in 1982 to 66,000 spectators owing to legal regulations.

Ironically, 10 years later, UEFA enacted a decree which meant all stadiums had to become all-seaters, so the Sánchez-Pizjuán’s capacity was dropped to around 43,000 – which is what it holds now.

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So while it has nearly halved its capacity since its construction, the Seville venue can still hold a decent number of fans. Still, when you consider the Champions League final will be hosted at the Stade de France – which can hold 81,338 – it’s easy to understand McGowan’s point of view.

While Rangers would no doubt like to have as many fans as possible in the stadium for what could be a historic night, they surely won’t mind too much if they can get over the line and win the tournament.

In other news: Big hint: Rangers supporters will love what Sky Sports journalist has posted – opinion

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