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Glasgow Live
Glasgow Live
Sport
Mark McDougall

Glen Kamara gets Finland fan support as banner pays tribute to Rangers star after racial abuse

Finland fans produced a banner that was unveiled during their side's clash with Bosnia in support of Glen Kamara.

The midfielder was targeted by vile racist abuse during Rangers' 2-0 defeat to Slavia Prague in the Europa League earlier this month.

His club team-mates offered him widespread support, as did his international colleagues who wore 'We stand with Glen' t-shirts.

And now Finland fans have done the same with a brilliant display of support for the playmaker during the game in Helsinki.

The game was taking place at the Olympic Stadium in the Finnish capital and was covered in Finland flags and supporter's banners.

But it was the one for Kamara which particularly stood out as it said: "We Stand With Glen."

Kamara was targeted in the sickening incident that has led to widespread condemnation of Slavia defender Ondrej Kudela.

The incident sparked a melee with Bongani Zungu and Connor Goldson both chasing the Czech Republic international, who starts for his country as well.

In a hard-hitting statement, Kamara 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 Kedel, 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, Kedel 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. Kedel’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.

"Kedel’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."

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