RANGERS fans will be locked out of the away clash with Lyon in the Europa League this week.

The Ibrox club informed fans that despite being guaranteed a travelling support of 2,200 the French Minister of Interior has ruled that Rangers fans cannot travel to the match.

The Rangers club statement revealed they were only informed of the decision from the French authorities this afternoon.

French local authorities are set to host a "festival of light" in the city which they say will "test the policing resource and city infrastructure".

Rangers slammed the latest development in their scathing statement which branded the decision "bemusing, and extremely frustrating".

The club correspondence went on to state it "beggars belief" that three days before the match, and three days after the previous guarantees, plans have been reversed.

Rangers chiefs have contacted UEFA, Lyon and the French authorities over the supporter entry saga, but state the issue is now outwith their control.

The club then urged fans to avoid travelling to Lyon for the match despite hitting out at the fact fans will be left "out of pocket" by the decision.

The Rangers statement on the club website read: "We regret to inform our travelling support that, within the last hour, we have been notified by the French Minister of the Interior, that away fans including corporate guests will not be admitted on Thursday night to the Groupama Stadium in Lyon, France.

"We understand that there is a “festival of light” planned in the city which will test the policing resource and city infrastructure. As you are aware, we previously underlined to our support that the local authorities in France were being intransigent and initially unwilling to engage.

"However, only late last week they agreed that we could have 2200 supporters admitted. The decision to reverse this is bemusing, and extremely frustrating, given the short notice. It beggars belief that 3 days after that decision was taken and 3 days before the match is due to be played, it is our supporters who are now going to be left out of pocket by this decision by the French interior minister.

"We empathise with the feeling of supporters, who have made travel plans months in advance. Furthermore, we were allocated tickets several weeks ago, which adds further confusion to the most recent decision to not admit our fans.

"Rest assured, we have made representations to UEFA, OL and the French authorities. However, regrettably, this situation is now out with our control.

"Nevertheless, we are duty bound to ask all supporters including corporate guests to not travel to France.

"We appreciate the frustration of our support, and will work to ensure a refund for tickets is processed forthwith."