CRACK DOWN ON RACISTS
Europa League defeat against Sparta Prague in a game that was meant to be played behind closed doors as a punishment for vile abuse from home fans in a Champions League qualifier against Monaco.
UEFA allowed the Letna Stadium to open its doors to local school children but the under-14s targeted Kamara from kick-off, jeering his every touch.
That came just six-anda-half months after the Finn was called a “f ***** g monkey” during a Europa clash with rivals Slavia.
Gerrard insisted he was unaware of the abuse directed at his player, who was sent off late on in the second half.
But he called on the men running European football to do more to kick racism out of the game.
Gerrard said: “To be honest with you, I’ve just been asked the question.
“During the game I haven’t been aware, I’ve just been focused on the game and the tactical changes I was trying to think about.
“If they’re facts and that is the case, then I’m extremely disappointed but not surprised.
“We need confirmation if that’s the truth or not before I comment.
“If that’s the case and they targeted Glen, it’s extremely disappointing because the reason there’s a lot of kids in the stadium is because of previous similar incidents.
“There needs to be more done. Not just myself but everyone across the world is asking for bigger, better and more extreme punishments in terms of racism. It needs to be eradicated.
“Until the powers that be do more and treat it more seriously, we’re going to be dealing with these questions for a long time.”
Kamara’s lawyer Aamer Anwar said: “I had hoped when I heard of the stadium closure of Sparta Prague that both Glen and other black players wouldn’t have to put up with any abuse or
racism and could get on with playing football. This evening should be an embarrassment for the Czech side.
“Despite their fans being banned, it still made little difference that the stadium was filled with 10,000 schoolchildren.
“A huge proportion of those children booed Glen’s every touch of the ball along with every other black player for Rangers.
“Tonight shows yet again that Prague has a serious problem with racism and as usual UEFA is nowhere to be seen.
“Glen and the Rangers players have shown total class but no player should face this at their work and on the European stage.”
Motherwell chief executive Alan Burrows was so appalled he took to Twitter to say: “The booing of Glen Kamara every time he touches the ball in tonight’s match is disgraceful. Football is not separate from society,
“It holds a mirror in front of it in many ways. UEFA have to get tough and make an example of repeat offenders.”
Last night’s defeat leaves Rangers anchored to the foot of Group A after two games.
Gerrard knows it’s now win or bust when Danes Brondby visit Ibrox in three weeks’ time.
The Gers gaffer added: “I am disappointed with the scoreline and I am disappointed we’ve got off to the start that we have in the group.
“The next game is a must win. We have to win against Brondby to have an outside chance.
“But right now we need to move on quickly and get ready for a top-of-thetable game against Hibs.”