Rangers 'must avoid being side-tracked by Glen Kamara race row'

Rangers manager Steven Gerrard insists his players cannot allow themselves to be distracted by this week’s developments surrounding the racist abuse of Glen Kamara as they set their sights on ending Celtic’s grip on the Scottish Cup.

The build-up to Rangers' Scottish Cup last 16 tie against Celtic has been dominated by UEFA's ruling this week on the racist abuse of midfielder Glen Kamara by Slavia Prague defender Ondrej Kudela last month. (Photo by Alan Harvey / SNS Group)

UEFA imposed a 10-match suspension on Slavia Prague defender Ondrej Kudela for his racist comment to Kamara during the Europa League match at Ibrox last month.

Kamara received a three-match ban after being found guilty of assaulting Kudela in the tunnel after the match, while Rangers striker Kemar Roofe has been suspended for four games for the high challenge on Slavia goalkeeper Ondrej Kolar which saw him sent off during the game.

Police Scotland have submitted their own reports on the Kudela and Kamara incidents to the procurator fiscal, while Rangers are seeking clarification from UEFA on the bans to their players which they are likely to appeal.

Rangers manager Steven Gerrard is determined his players will not be distracted from the challenge of adding the Scottish Cup to their Scottish Premiership title success this season. (Photo by Rob Casey / SNS Group)

It has been the dominant narrative of a week which culminates with Sunday’s Scottish Cup fifth round tie between Rangers and Celtic at Ibrox but Gerrard has been determined to ensure the full attention of his squad is on their bid to add the trophy to their Premiership title triumph this season.

“From my point of view, obviously we are in a situation where we have to be careful with what we say and what we do,” said Gerrard.

“Because there are still ongoing investigations and situations from a police point of view in terms of what happened on the night.

“It’s something we are very much aware of and respect but from my point of view, and the team’s, the focus has very much been on the football and the preparation for Celtic.

“We don’t want to get side-tracked or lose our focus or take our eye off the ball. While we very much understand what is going on and what’s in the media alongside the build-up to this game, for me it’s been key and vital to keep our eye on the football and keep our focus on the game.”

Rangers are unbeaten in the last four Old Firm fixtures and will look to underscore the sense they are currently the dominant force in the great rivalry.

“That’s not the view of John Kennedy, though, is it?,” said Gerrard with a smile, indicating the Celtic interim manager’s claim that the outgoing champions are still the best team in the country on their day has captured the attention of the Rangers camp.

“Listen, it’s not about the past or what has happened in the past, this is a new game and a new challenge.

“It’s one we are very much looking forward to. I would say the biggest change from my first day to sitting here now, in terms of Old Firm games, is the belief within the group.

“We know if we play at our best and find our maximum in terms of performance from a technical and physical point of view, that if we give the best version of ourselves then we believe and have confidence that we can beat anyone, especially at Ibrox.

“Our level of performance and consistency has backed that view up but it doesn’t guarantee you anything in the future.

“You’ve got to go and try and find a performance which is going to be good enough.”

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