Rangers react to Ondrej Kudela punishment and seek clarification from UEFA over Glen Kamara and Kemar Roofe bans

Rangers are seeking clarification from UEFA over Glen Kamara’s three-game ban after Slavia Prague’s Ondrej Kudela was found guilty of racially abusing the midfielder.

Rangers intend to appeal the UEFA bans given to Glen Kamara and Kemar Roofe. (Photo by Craig Williamson / SNS Group)

While welcoming the 10-match ban for Kudela for “racist behaviour” towards their player during the Europa League last 16 tie at Ibrox on March 18, the Ibrox club have questioned the severity of the punishment handed to Kamara, which UEFA state was for “assualting another player”.

Rangers plan to appeal the decision to punish Kamara as well as the four-game ban given to Kemar Roofe for a high challenge which left Slavia goalkeeper Ondrej Kolar with a fractured skull in the same match.

A club statement read: “Rangers notes the UEFA disciplinary decision relating to our fixture v Slavia Prague at Ibrox on 18th March.

“We welcome the suspension imposed on Ondrej Kudela. This not only vindicates Glen Kamara’s evidence but underlines the severity of the comment, given the number of games which have been imposed by UEFA.

“Nevertheless, we believe the sanctions imposed on our two players (Glen Kamara and Kemar Roofe) are severe. We have written to UEFA, seeking clarification in writing on the basis that we intend to appeal the suspensions on both of players.

“We will make no further comment on this matter.”

Kamara’s lawyer Aamar Anwar, however, insisted that the UEFA punishment does not go far enough.

He said: "It is welcome news that today UEFA has found Ondrej Kudela guilty of the racist abuse of Rangers player Glen Kamara.

"However, Glen is left disappointed that the sanction imposed by UEFA on Kudela is the bare minimum of 10 games, that could be imposed.

"On Monday we provided UEFA with a substantial dossier of evidence on Kudela's racism seeking robust sanctions, but we also made submissions that the proposed five match ban for Glen should be reduced.

"Whilst Glen's proposed five match ban is now down to three, we will await the publication of UEFA's full decision, before deciding whether to appeal against this sanction.”

COMMENT: UEFA's 10-game ban for Ondrej Kudela doesn't go far enough in the fight against racism

Mr Anwar added: "As for the sanction imposed upon Kudela, UEFA should have imposed a minimum year-long ban rather than a tokenistic 10 match ban.

"Under the UEFA disciplinary regulations Kudela could have been banned for 'at least ten matches or a specified period of time', and we firmly believe that UEFA should have made use of the significant discretion available to them, to send a far stronger message that this type of abhorrent conduct will not be tolerated on the football field.

"There is no other workplace within which such racist behaviour would be tolerated. Sadly UEFA once again has made a mockery of their claims that they want to kick racism out of football.

"Ondrej Kudela acted in a grotesque and racist manner, but his behaviour was compounded by his club Slavia Prague, who implied that my client Glen was a liar. Kudela's racist behaviour has consequences and it has incited the fans of Slavia Prague, who went on to subject Glen Kamara to horrendous racism on a daily basis.

"There is no excuse or justification for racism on or off the playing field, and it really is time for the footballing community to take action against clubs, fans and social media that perpetuate racism."

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