GLEN Kamara feels he has been “vindicated” after a player he alleged racially abused him was handed a ten-game ban.
But in a statement released by his lawyer, Aamer Anwar, the Rangers player said he felt Slavia Prague’s Ondrej Kudela should have faced a longer suspension for his “abhorrent conduct”.
Kamara has alleged the Czech defender called him a “f****** monkey” during a Europa League tie and insisted UEFA’s decision made a “mockery” of claims they want to tackle racism in football.
READ MORE: Slavia Prague's Ondrej Kudela given TEN match ban after 'racist abuse' of Rangers' Glen Kamara
Mr Anwar’s statement read: “It is welcome news today that UEFA has found Ondrej Kudela gulty 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.”
Anwar presented UEFA with evidence on allegations of racial abuse from Kudela on Monday.
He argued for a minimum year-long ban to be imposed on the Slavia Prague defender.
He added: “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.
“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.”
Full statement following @UEFA decision on Slavia Prague’s Kudela👇🏽- He acted in a grotesque & racist manner, which had consequences & incited the fans of Slavia Prague, who went on to subject @GlenKamara4 to horrendous racism on a daily basis” #ShowRacismTheRedCard pic.twitter.com/jT3FSZPclY
— Aamer Anwar🎗✊🏽#BlackLivesMatter (@AamerAnwar) April 14, 2021
Following the match which took place on March 18, Anwar along with his client faced torrents of racial abuse from Slavia Prague fans.
As did Kamara’s teammate, Kemar Roofe, who was sent off in the tie.
Anwar said: “Kudela’s racist behaviour had consequences and incited the fans of Slavia Prague, who went on to subject Glen Kamara to horrendous racism on a daily basis.”
READ MORE: Slavia Prague APOLOGISE to Rangers’ Glen Kamara as Kudela banned TEN games
Kamara received a three match ban for assaulting the Slavia player in reaction and his teammate Kemar Roofe received a four match ban. Rangers have confirmed they will be appealing the decision.
In a statement, the Ibrox side said: “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.”
READ MORE: Rangers vow to appeal Kamara and Roofe bans as they welcome Ondrej Kudela 'racism' suspension
Anti-racism charity, Show Racism the Red Card, has also called out the UEFA decision.
The organisation said on social media: “UEFA handing Ondrej Kudela a 10-match ban after he whispered racist abuse into the ear of Glen Kamara is wildly insufficient.
“Players can wear ‘respect’ on their arms, but without zero tolerance of racist abuse, it stands as an empty gesture.
UEFA handing Ondrej Kudela a 10-match ban after he whispered racist abuse into the ear of Glen Kamara is wildly insufficient.
— Show Racism the Red Card (@SRTRC_England) April 14, 2021
Players can wear 'respect' on their arms, but without zero tolerance of racist abuse, it stands as an empty gesture. pic.twitter.com/3IQt0GVaEy
Slavia Prague have apologised to Glen Kamara and committed to tackling racism within the club.
In a statement, the Czechs said: “We want to learn even more from this situation, and we are open to cooperation with major anti-racism British organisations on workshops and setting up even more robust internal club rules.”
A spokeswoman for Police Scotland confirmed that enquires into the incidents that took place at Ibrox last month are still ongoing.
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