Glen Kamara starts for Rangers as Steven Gerrard confirms players WON'T take the knee at Celtic Park

Glen Kamara will start for Rangers against Celtic – but he and his team-mates will not take a knee ahead of kick-off.
Rangers manager Steven Gerrard with Glen Kamara (left) well after full time during the UEFA Europa League Round of 16 2nd Leg match between Rangers FC and Slavia Prague at Ibrox Stadium on March 18, 2021, in Glasgow, Scotland.  (Photo by Alan Harvey / SNS Group)Rangers manager Steven Gerrard with Glen Kamara (left) well after full time during the UEFA Europa League Round of 16 2nd Leg match between Rangers FC and Slavia Prague at Ibrox Stadium on March 18, 2021, in Glasgow, Scotland.  (Photo by Alan Harvey / SNS Group)
Rangers manager Steven Gerrard with Glen Kamara (left) well after full time during the UEFA Europa League Round of 16 2nd Leg match between Rangers FC and Slavia Prague at Ibrox Stadium on March 18, 2021, in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Alan Harvey / SNS Group)

Kamara was at the centre of a late flashpoint in Thursday’s defeat to Slavia Prague and released a statement through his lawyer detailing the vile racist abuse – which the Czech club continue to deny – he heard.

However the midfielder and team-mate Kemar Roofe have also been subject of more vile abuse online and a decision has been taken over the pre-match gesture.

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Clubs have been taking a knee to show support of anti-racism throughout the season, but Steven Gerrard revealed the club’s stance ahead of the third Old Firm match of the season.

Players have taken the knee pre-match this season to highlight anti-racism movement - but Rangers will not do so today following the midweek abuse aimed at two of their players (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)Players have taken the knee pre-match this season to highlight anti-racism movement - but Rangers will not do so today following the midweek abuse aimed at two of their players (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
Players have taken the knee pre-match this season to highlight anti-racism movement - but Rangers will not do so today following the midweek abuse aimed at two of their players (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

"We won't take the knee . I spoke to both captains and made a collective decision that they're going to stand. Stand side by side and we'll support that and follow suit as a staff as well,” the manager told Sky Sports.

"James [Tavernier] and Connor [Goldson] came to see me yesterday and I totally understand the decision they've made and totally back it 100 percent. We'll do the same as a staff to show them the support."

Kamara was left visibly upset at the end of the Europa League game but Gerrard backed his midfielder following his ordeal and has backed him to start against the club’s Old Firm rivals.

"I know the boy very well, the character, he'll be desperate to play - what a place to play football," he added. "He's doing fine and looking forward to the game."

Celtic captain Scott Brown also sought out the ex-Dundee midfielder pre-match to show his support.