Rangers boss Steven Gerrard backs Glen Kamara racism claims and calls for UEFA action

Rangers manager Steven Gerrard says he has no doubt Glen Kamara was the victim of racist abuse which sparked acrimonious scenes at the end of his team’s Europa League exit against Slavia Prague at Ibrox.

Rangers midfielder Glen Kamara reacts furiously to a comment from Slavia Prague's Ondrej Kudela in the closing stages of the Europa League match at Ibrox. (Photo by Alan Harvey / SNS Group)

Gerrard has called on UEFA to take swift action against Slavia defender Ondrej Kudela for the alleged racist comment made to Rangers’ Finnish international midfielder Kamara.

“I feel angry,” said Gerrard. “It’s difficult to describe how I feel now because I know Glen and I trust him 100 percent. It’s extremely disappointing. There is too much of it happening around football.

“The Slavia player has caused this and he has also caused a situation like this to escalate even further because straight away you get the fans joining in and the racism grows and grows.

“Something needs to happen quickly. That is above me. But 100 percent, I stand beside Glen Kamara, whatever happens going forward.”

Kamara reacted furiously to Kudela’s comment and could clearly be heard shouting ‘racist, racist’ as he confronted the Slavia player. Bongani Zungu and Connor Goldson were also incensed by the incident, joining Kamara in pursuing Kudela amid jostling from both teams. Referee Orel Grinfeld took some time to restore order before booking both Kudela and Goldson.

Kamara remained visibly upset some time after the final whistle and continued to be involved in angry exchanges with members of the Slavia squad and backroom staff. Gerrard could also be seen in lengthy debate with Slavia coach Jindrich Trpisovsky and Slavia officials.

“I 100 percent believe what Glen is saying in terms of the accusation,” added Gerrard. “Other players around him heard it so I will stand toe to toe with Glen Kamara and I’ll deal with this however Glen wants to deal with it. This situation is over to UEFA now. I just hope it doesn’t get brushed under the carpet.”

Gerrard had no complaints at his team’s 2-0 defeat which saw them exit the Europa League at the last 16 stage.

“We were beaten by the better team over the two legs,” he said. “Congratulations to Slavia, they deserved it over the two games. In no way, shape or form do we sit here and be bad losers, coming out with excuses.”

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