Rangers star Glen Kamara has broken his silence and lifted the lid on the racism storm that engulfed Thursday night's match with Slavia Prague.
Towards the end of the Europa League last 16 tie Slavia defender Ondrej Kudela whispered in the ear of the Finland international.
Kamara accused his opponent of saying a derogatory term and received the backing of his manager Steven Gerrard in his post-match interview.
But Slavia deny the claims and also allege Kamara later physically attacked Kudela after the final whistle.
Now, in a statement released on Friday evening through solicitor Aamer Anwar, the Rangers playmaker has given his full version of events.
He said: “There is no place for racism or any form of bigotry in football. 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.
"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.”
