Rangers star Glen Kamara has released a defiant statement regarding the racist abuse he suffered against Slavia Prague and sent a clear message in the process.
Enough is enough.
The unassuming character of Kamara – a laidback man who plays with a smile on his face – has been catapulted into the footballing limelight for all the wrong reasons this week.
Slavia defender Ondřej Kúdela is accused by Kamara of using vile, dehumanising racist abuse on the field and Slavia of endorsing it by their reaction in the days since.
The situation is a farce – Slavia are now claiming they will raise criminal charges over the midfielder for allegedly assaulting Kúdela [Slavia].
The Czech club are vehement and adamant their player did nothing wrong and have claimed they do not endorse racism.
Someone better give their fans – who plunged new depths with a banner so disgusting we needn’t dare share it here – the memo.
Kamara has bravely gone public with his side of the story as the midfielder makes clear that enough is enough and demands UEFA action.
“There is no place for racism or any form of bigotry in football,” said Kamara [Twitter].
“Since summer many of us have taken the knee in solidarity with those who have lost their lives to racial violence.
“If UEFA genuinely wants to ‘show racism the red card’, then it’s time to stop the tokenism and take a zero-tolerance approach.
“As a player I do not expect myself, nor any other to have to tolerate racial hatred on or off the pitch in 2021.
“The vile racist abuse by Ondrej Kudela, took place on the international stage, and any failure to act by UEFA will be viewed as a greenlight for racism.
“During yesterday’s match with Slavia Prague, Kudela was arguing with a Rangers player and after I tried to intervene, he told me to shut up and then said ‘one second my friend.’
“He then came over to me covering his mouth, leaning into my ear, he uttered the words – ‘You’re a f****** monkey, you know you are’.
“I was shocked and horrified to hear such racist abuse from a professional football player. Kudela’s claim he simply swore at me and said ‘You’re a f****** guy is a complete utter lie which does not stand up to any form of scrutiny.
https://twitter.com/NYCRFC/status/1372747663880417281
“Kudela’s actions were deliberate and premeditated, but he was loud enough for my team-mate Bongani Zungu to hear what was said.
“I am grateful for the unconditional support of my team, our club and especially our manager Steven Gerrard.
“I want to thank not just our Rangers fans, but the many fans from across the football community and beyond, for calling out racism not just against myself, but also fellow player Kemar Roofe, who was subjected to a tirade of racist bile on Instagram.
“We as black players are sick of the freedom that such bigots are given to parade their hatred on social media and wonder when the likes of Instagram will start to take action.”
Kamara, 25, continues to get the full backing of the Rangers team and support and this will continue so long as is necessary as football takes a stand against racism.
Gers fans everywhere have been raising a fist in solidarity with Kamara who continues to do himself and our club proud with his powerful reaction.
