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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
Mark Walker

Rangers fans helped pump millions into Seville economy during Europa League final trip

Rangers fans helped pump millions into Seville economy during Europa League final trip

RANGERS fans helped pump an astonishing £68 million into the Seville economy last week, according to official figures revealed by the mayor of the Spanish city.

The Ibrox side were defeated in the Europa League Final in Spain by Eintracht Frankfurt after a heartbreaking penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw.

They were followed by a huge army of fans estimated at anything up to 100,000 with the German side also followed by enormous support who all descended into the Andalusian city.

Although the final has been overshadowed by the chaotic conditions at the stadium itself with UEFA launching a probe into the lack of basic provisions on the night, the Seville economy received an incredible boost.

With hotel rooms booked for miles around and every available flight completely sold out, the city was besieged by fans during the lead-up and day of the final.

And they helped contribute to an incredible boost to local businesses, according to Antonio Munoz, mayor of Seville.

He said: "The forecasts before the final were 60 million Euros [£51 million] for the Seville economy. The figures are in now and they are in fact 75 million Euros [£68 million].

"I want to praise the public services, cleaning and transport sections and security in the city last week. Everything worked like clockwork.

"There was absolutely no damage to any of our heritage sites. I saw pictures claiming there was damage in the Plaza de Espana, for example, but they are undoubtedly fake. It's a lie to say it was damaged and there was no vandalism.

"Of course, conditions were not ideal for the Seville population and there is always room for improvements

"But we have received congratulations of hoteliers, commercial leaders and UEFA for the organisation of the final with regard to the city of Seville."

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