Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Glasgow Live
Glasgow Live
Sport
Mark McDougall

SFA blasted over Glen Kamara silence as Rangers star's lawyer brands silence 'cowardly'

Aamer Anwar has hit out at the SFA over their failure to comment on the alleged racial abuse directed at Glen Kamara.

The Rangers star reported that he was targeted in a vile incident during his side's 2-0 defeat to Slavia Prague at Ibrox on Thursday night.

Slavia defender Ondrej Kudela is accused of calling the Finland international a 'f***ing monkey' during a disgraceful incident in the Europa League clash.

The Czech club have defended their player and accused Kamara of punching Kudela, and his lawyer insists more needs to be done by UEFA and the SFA.

The SFA are yet to comment on the incident and Anwar has branded it 'shameful' and 'cowardly' for them to ignore it.

He said: "It’s not just @UEFA that should be called out for their abject failure in tackling racism, but the shameful & cowardly silence of @ScottishFA on the racial abuse of @GlenKamara4 of @RangersFC speaks volumes."

In a statement released on Friday night, 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."

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.