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Rangers’ Glen Kamara insists that Ondrej Kudela racially abused him and said the Slavia Prague player’s denial is “a complete lie.”
The Finnish international was visibly dismayed by a comment he made at the end of the 2-0 Europa League loss at Ibrox.
Kudela admitted to cursing while covering her mouth, but not the “disgusting accusation” of racism.
But Kamara said: “I was shocked and horrified to hear such racist abuse from a professional soccer player.”
Speaking on the matter for the first time through a statement from his lawyer, the midfielder added: “As a player I do not expect that I, or anyone else, will have to tolerate racial hatred on or off the pitch in 2021. The vile abuse racist. by Ondrej Kudela took place on the international stage and any breach by Uefa will be seen as a green light for racism.
“There is no place for racism or any form of intolerance in football. Since the summer, many of us have knelt in solidarity with those who have lost their lives because of racial violence. If Uefa really wants to ‘show you the red card to racism ‘”then it’s time to stop tokenism and take a zero tolerance approach.”
Slavia Prague complained that Kudela was the victim of a “brutal attack” after the match and they have said they are making progress with a criminal complaint.
Regarding Kudela’s version of the events on the field, Kamara said: “[It] it’s a total lie, which doesn’t stand up to any kind of scrutiny, “adding that he was loud enough for his teammate Bongani Zungu to hear him.
“I am grateful for the unconditional support of my team, our club and especially our coach Steven Gerrard,” added Kamara.
“I want to thank not only our Rangers fans, but the many fans throughout the soccer community and beyond, for criticizing racism not only against me, but also against my teammate Kemar Roofe, who was subjected to a tirade. of racist bile on Instagram.
“We as black gamers are fed up with the freedom these fans are given to show their hatred on social media and wonder when the likes of Instagram will kick in.”
Slavia says her criminal complaint details a list of witnesses, including Rangers manager Steven Gerrard.
A statement explained that the Embassy of the Czech Republic in London will officially present the club’s complaint, but a Scottish Police spokesman said: “None of the clubs have reported crimes in connection with last night’s match.
“The Scottish police have contacted the club leaders and assured them that if any charges are received, they will be thoroughly investigated.”
Slavia claims that the alleged post-match assault on Kudela was “thought out, including deliberately covering the cameras at the scene of the incident,” adding that the “brutal attack was carried out with all the intensity to injure and cause physical damage.” . .
They say delegates from the European governing body Uefa and members of their own staff witnessed the incident, along with Gerrard.
Rangers managing director Stewart Robertson said his club expects a “strong and unequivocal response” on the matter from UEFA.
UEFA has already confirmed that it will carry out an investigation into the events.
