Disgraced Czech Champions Slavia Prague have tried to deflect from horrific allegations of racism by not only refuting the accusations but also accusing Rangers star Glen Kamara of assault.
Rangers were well beaten by Slavia in the Last 16 Europa League clash, the Czech outfit showing an experience and ability which the Gers couldn’t quite match at this level.
But the game was overshadowed by allegations of racism levelled towards defender Ondřej Kúdela by the Rangers team.
Kúdela, 33, leant in to Glen Kamara in the closing stages of the match, covered his mouth, and said something which sparked a riot with the Ibrox players baying for blood as a result.
In the video below, you can clearly hear what Glen’s Rangers teammates believe was said:
https://twitter.com/NYCRFC/status/1372747663880417281
The accusations were backed up by manager Steven Gerrard in the aftermath of the match who – whilst conceding defeat – claimed some things are “bigger than football”.
A noticeably dejected Gers gaffer took aim at Slavia and their defender Kúdela and defended Glen Kamara and his players.
“My player tells me he was racially abused,” said Gerrard.
“The disappointing thing is that their people are trying to defend their player and calling us liars,” said Gerrard in the immediate aftermath of the game.
“I feel angry. I know Glen and trust him 100%. The Slavia player has caused this and something needs to happen quickly but that is above me. But whatever happens, I stand next to Glen.
“I don’t even feel like talking about football just now. It’s over to Uefa now and I just hope it doesn’t get pushed under the carpet.”
Slavia’s club president would then take to Twitter to “categorically” deny the accusations as reports began emerging of a bust-up behind the scenes in Ibrox.
This was then repeated in a Slavia Prague club statement which also included comments from the accused defender Ondřej Kúdela and described the accusations as “imaginary”.
Unsurprisingly the cowardly defender denies making any racist comments, but Slavia also level the very serious allegation of assault towards Glen Kamara.
“Slavia rejects the imaginary accusation of racism after retaliation in the round of 16. The team is now safe at the hotel after the incident under the supervision of the Scottish police,” reads the Slavia statement.
“The players of Slavia in the match faced an unprecedented insidious game of the opponent, which they have not experienced in the history of modern European cups.
“A series of brutal interventions by the opponent ended with an injury to our players, the goalkeeper Ondřej Kolář ended with ten stitches on his face and a concussion in the hospital.
“After the match, the team was not allowed into the cabins and Ondřej Kúdela was cowardly beaten with fists in the face by player Kamara without warning in the presence of coach Steven Gerrard.
“The UEFA representatives, who were personally present at the whole incident, were also shocked. The team is now safe at the hotel under Scottish police supervision.”
The cheek to call Kamara a coward.
Here’s what limey defender Ondřej Kúdela had to say for himself too:
“I told him ‘You’re a f****** guy’. It was said in emotions after two red cards and a series of brutal interventions by an opponent, but I completely reject racism.”
Rangers boss Steven Gerrard has called on UEFA to intervene and act by punishing Slavia Prague amid ever-increasing scrutiny on racism in football.
One source close to Rangers has also allegedly rejected the assault claims.
“That’s utter nonsense,” the source told the Scottish Sun.
“The only person attacked at Ibrox tonight was Glen Kamara. Slavia Prague are trying to play the victims.”
Rangers fans have stood in solidarity with the midfielder and any other black players affected by the behaviour of some Slavia Prague players and fans.
