Glen Kamara: Rangers release statement of support after racial abuse allegation

Rangers have released a statement in support of Glen Kamara, after the midfielder accused Slavia Prague's Ondrej Kudela of racism.

It was a fiery night at Ibrox as Steven Gerrard's team, reduced to nine men after Kemar Roofe and Leon Balogun saw red, were sent crashing out of the Europa League.

But the football was soon overshadowed by grim scenes on the final whistle when Kudela whispered something into the ear of Kamara, and was accused of using racist language by several Rangers players.

Slavia have since denied the claims, and have instead thrown a counter accusation at Kamara - alleging that he 'assaulted' the defender in the dressing room after the match.

The Czech club claim the police were called, but a statement from Police Scotland (per the Daily Record) says 'no reports of criminality' were received from Ibrox.

Kamara's claims were backed by Gerrard in the hours after the match, with the Rangers boss condemning Kudela and urging UEFA to take action against Slavia.

Now, managing director Stewart Robertson has released a lengthy statement which reads: “Racism is unacceptable in any form and in any setting.

“The racist abuse suffered by Glen Kamara will not be tolerated by Rangers. As a club, we stand resolutely behind Glen as we support him and his teammates. We stand behind each and every one of our players. Regardless of race, religion, colour or creed - if you wear the famous blue of Rangers FC, you are one of our own. Everyone, Anyone.

“Several of our players have subsequently received racist, threatening and sickening abuse online. This is abhorrent and once again highlights the responsibility social media outlets have in eradicating abuse from faceless cowards.

“We refuse to acknowledge any attempt to defend, deflect or deny the abuse Glen Kamara experienced last night.

“Our manager, Steven Gerrard has already underlined his own disgust at this incident and support for our players. We can confirm that Steven, our Chairman Douglas Park, Sporting Director Ross Wilson and I, met last night to agree our club stance.

“We also met with UEFA representatives. This incident has been reported to the UEFA match delegate and we understand that it has formed part of his match report.

“UEFA will be well aware the football world is watching. We expect a robust and unequivocal response in relation to this incident. It cannot be merely ‘swept under the carpet’- we are not prepared for Glen Kamara to be yet another statistic. Enough is enough.

“We note the injury sustained by Ondrej Kolar during an accidental collision last night. Our club doctor treated the player and we hope he has a speedy recovery. We wish the club well in the next round of the Europa League.

“There will be no further comment until we receive a response from UEFA.”