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Daily Record
Daily Record
Sport
Graeme Young

Rangers watch on ahead of Red Star clash as Serbian president plays 'problem solver' over Spartak Moscow

Serbia have offered to host Spartak Moscow's home game in the Europa League on the same night Rangers face Red Star Belgrade in the last 16.

The Premiership champions side will play first leg in Glasgow on March 10 and the return game in their intimidating Rajko Mitic Stadium the following week.

UEFA have banned Russian teams from hosting games following their invasion of Ukraine and Spartak Moscow will play RB Leipzig at the same stage of the competition at a yet-to-be-decided neutral venue.

Spartak must now find a country willing to host the game, which won't be easy with nearly all of Europe united over the actions of Russia in Ukraine.

However, Serbia are the only country in Europe - apart from Russian ally Belarus - who have not imposed sanctions on Russia.

Aleksandar Vucic, Serbia's president, speaks during a news conference (Getty Images)

And their president has now told Spartak they would be welcome to play in Belgrade at the same time as Rangers play against Red Star Belgrade.

Aleksandar Vucic said: "In Serbia, we have always been good hosts. If we can help solve some problems by hosting the Spartak Moscow game, then we have no problem with that.

"We offer them the best conditions and we would guarantee the safety of both formal hosts and guests. You have my word on that."

With Rangers due to play on March 17 in Belgrade, Serbian reports have indicated UEFA could order Partizan Belgrade to make their stadium available to host the game on the same night.

Or they could make Red Star host the Spartak Moscow vs RB Leipzig game on the night before Rangers face Red Star as they aim to progress into the last four of the competition.

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