FOOTBALL supporters travelling to Ibrox stadium for the Rangers v Maribor game will not be given an escort, in light of violence which saw two men stabbed.

Police Scotland confirmed that Maribor fans would be travelling independently to the UEFA Europa League match on Thursday, exactly a week after a mass brawl near the stadium.

WATCH: Massive street brawl breaks out near Ibrox

Intelligence has suggested that an escort would not be necessary for travelling fans due to their low number.

The decision comes after supporters groups and fans claimed the authorities had turned a blind eye to the potential for violence ahead of a match between Rangers and Osijek.

Policing bosses said they had no intelligence to suggest that the travelling fans posed a threat to safety due to the small nature of the team.

The decision was taken to go against protocol and not escort fans to the host’s stadium in Govan - despite video footage online of violent clashes between fans when the Croatian side played Luzern in July last year.

The terrifying attacks were reportedly instigated by the visiting Osijek supporters.

READ MORE: Two men stabbed in massive Ibrox running street battle were Osijek fans

Violence erupted in the street ahead of the match between around 60 people, resulting in two Croatian men being stabbed.

It is understood that a number of those involved turned up to the fight with weapons, including knuckle dusters, and wearing mixed martial arts gloves.

Police Scotland said they only anticipate ‘up to’ one hundred Maribor fans to make the journey from Slovenia to Glasgow for Thursday’s game.

Their spokeswoman added: “Most will be travelling independently and make their own way to city centre and to the ground.

WATCH: Two men assaulted in running street battle after Rangers v Wigan in Glasgow

“However, if police come across them, it is possible they will escorted to the game - just to make sure they get there in plenty time.

“Our enquiries into the disturbance and assaults are ongoing.

“Planning for the Rangers v Maribor Europa League qualifying match is well underway and the match will be policed appropriately.”

Paul Goodwin, founder of the Scottish Football Supporters Association, said he would be ‘surprised’ if Maribor supporters were travelling independently due to the infrequency of flights.

He added: “We’re surprised that there has not been any dedicated escort for the Maribor fans, given that it is in everyone’s interest to make sure everything goes smoothly.

“With what happened at the last game, there should be more consideration.

POLL: Majority in Glasgow 'would ban Orange Walks' - would you?

“We understand that the police have the insight and the knowledge to make the decision but you would want everything planned in advance for Rangers fans travelling over there.

“There is a reputation attached the former Yugoslavian countries including Slovenia and Croatia because of their violent past.”

Rangers supporters will be travelling to Maribor, which neighbours Croatia, for the third qualifying round next week.

But it is undecided whether they will be accompanied by officers from Police Scotland.

WATCH: Shocking footage shows large-brawl erupt outside Greenock shopping centre

Concerns have been raised about the possibility of Osijek fans travel across the border to Maribor to carrying out a ‘retaliation attack’ following the stabbings in Glasgow.

Police Scotland said they would only travel with fans is it was requested by the Maribor’s police.

They added: “We are working closely with NK Maribor Football Club and the Slovenian authorities ahead of the game to help ensure the safety of fans travelling to the match.”

A spokesman for UEFA commented: “As for all matches, UEFA is confident that all necessary measures will be put in place in cooperation with the two clubs and the local and police authorities in order to ensure that the match will be played in the safest way for both teams and for all spectators.”

The European football bosses said they would not be taking disciplinary action over street violence.

OUR VIEW - Surely it’s better safe than sorry?

THE decision not to escort Maribor fans to this evening’s game at Ibrox is a brave one for Police Scotland. 

If there is any repeat of last week’s violence senior officers will have some explaining to do. 

The message this week is the same as last – there is no intelligence to suggest the potential for violence with the visit of these “smaller” teams.

But, as with NK Osijek, a quick Google search is all it takes to discover these fans have the same capacity for trouble. 

Home supporters deserve protection just as much as visiting ones, and while the majority of fans will behave, there is always a minority intent on trouble. 

Surely it’s better safe than sorry?