Slavia Prague said they filed a criminal complaint on Friday in connection with the “attack” of Ondrej Kudela after Ranger midfielder Glen Kamara claimed the player had been racially abusive in a Europa League match. The Steven Gerrard champions of Scotland clashed in the last 16 of the tournament after a 2-0 defeat by the Czechs at Ibrox on Thursday, but the match was filled with events before and after the final whistle. Kamara and his teammates played as they said Kudela slapped his hand and whispered the racist slogan in the ear of the midfielder.
Slavia dismissed allegations of racism and accused Kamara of hitting Kudela in the tunnel after the last whistle.
“Slavia Prague has lodged a criminal complaint with the Scottish police through the Czech Republic’s ambassador to Great Britain over the attack on his actor Ondrej Kudela,” Slavia said in a statement.
“Ondrej Kudela’s attack was planned and considered, including deliberate coverage of the cameras at the scene. The brutal and violent attacks were led with the intent to injure and injure the body.”
UEFA has said it will investigate events in Ibrox.
Gerrard vowed to stand with Kamara and warned European football governing body not to call the alleged racist incident “under the carpet”.
“Some of the players around him have heard of it so I will stand by Glen Kamara and I will deal with this but Glen wants to deal with it,” said the former Liverpool captain.
Slavia accused Gerrard’s team of “playing in an unprecedented way”.
Red cards
Ranger striker Kemar Roofe has been shown a red card for a serious challenge to Ondrej Kolar, leaving the Slavia goalkeeper with a broken skull and a horrible glove on his forehead.
Defender Leon Balogun was also sacked after collecting two bookings, relegating Ranger to nine men as they exited the Europa League 3-1 on aggregate. Slavia will face Arsenal in the quarter-finals.
Ranger manager Stewart Robertson issued a statement in support of Kamara, saying racial harassment would not be tolerated.
“We refuse to accept any attempt to protect, deviate or deny the abuse Glen Kamara received last night,” he said.
“UEFA will know very well that the football world is watching,” he added. “We are expecting a strong and vague response to this incident.”
Rangers captain tonight, Connor Goldson, said “he has never been so angry on the football field”.
Goldson was furious with Kudela after Kamara was informed of the incident.
“I have completely lost my spirit and in the remaining game I wanted to hurt someone,” he said.
Listen to the latest songs, only on JioSaavn.comScottish police told the Press Association on Friday that they had not heard from any party.
Earlier, the team said: “There have been no criminal reports from the club about yesterday’s match. The Scottish police have contacted club officials and assured them that if any allegations are not found they will be properly investigated.
