Standing firm
Teams unite in fight against racism
STEVEN GERRARD admits he’s never been so proud of Scottish football after the Old Firm united to stand up to racism. The Ibrox boss was blown away as rivals Celtic joined Rangers in refusing to take a knee in response to the abuse aimed at Glen Kamara by Slavia Prague thug Ondrej Kudela in last week’s Europa League clash.
Hoops skipper Scott Brown also shared an embrace with the Light Blues midfielder before the sides fought out a draw at Celtic Park.
Other Premiership sides Dundee United and Motherwell
also made a stance as Gerrard hailed the nation’s response. He said: “Glen has had some fantastic support and we as a club have had fantastic support.
“The reaction from Scottish football has been brilliant. I saw other clubs getting involved in the last few days, making it clear they’re not accepting it and are striving to improve things.
“It’s made me really proud to be part of Scottish football, even more so than I had been.
“I’ve always been proud to be a part of the game up here, representing Rangers and doing this job. But the last few days have made me feel really, really proud given the reaction from around the country. It’s been fantastic.
“It feels different, so credit to everyone who has played a part in that.”
Gerrard felt both squads opting not to take the knee was a powerful message the game won’t put up with racism any longer.
He added: “I thought it was class and it was class from both clubs.
“Credit to all the people representing Celtic today.
“We knew what we were going to do. I spoke to Connor Goldson and James Tavernier on Saturday. They told me what they wanted the team to do and I backed them 100 per cent. We do as a club from top to bottom.
“We need to change things and I believe we will eventually. We just need to keep pushing.”
Brown was determined to show Kamara there are matters that go beyond Old Firm rivalry.
The Celtic captain said: “It’s disgusting what happened. It doesn’t matter whether it’s a Rangers player or Celtic player, whoever it is.
“It should never be part of the game.
“It just shows that we’re with him, we stand with him on racism. It’s just that little bit of respect as well, knowing it’s a fellow professional.” Parkhead interim manager John
Kennedy revealed he held discussions with Rangers staff about uniting before yesterday’s kick-off.
He said: “This is not about rivalries, derbies, opposition teams or anything else. This is about unity, about coming together and trying to make a difference. It has gone on too long.
“It seems to be happening more and more, even though there is more education and news about it. It’s spoken about more and more. I don’t know if it’s because of that but there seems to be more of it happening.
“It’s not acceptable, absolutely not acceptable. What happens is you give someone, whoever it might be, a punishment for it – a severe punishment at that. It will quickly eradicate it.”
Gerrard hailed Kamara’s focus as he got back to business just days after the shocking incident in the Europa League.
He said: “Glen’s fine and I knew he’d be fine.
“I know the kid, I know his character, having built a really strong relationship with him. He’s so low maintenance.
“He doesn’t want attention, he just wants to go about his business.
“He didn’t deserve what happened. He didn’t deserve it and it was bang out of order.
“He was deeply, deeply upset but his reaction has been fantastic because he wants to move on and he wants to play football.
“But one thing is for sure, Glen Kamara is loved at this club and Kemar Roofe is loved at this club and we’ll do everything we can to stand side by side with them, as we do with all our players.”