A COUNTRY UNITED
Gerrard proud of SPFL clubs’ stand against racist abuse Old Firm match report, analysis and reaction inside
STEVEN GERRARD has expressed his pride at the manner in which Scottish football has united in its support of Glen Kamara and in condemnation of racist abuse within the game.
Kamara has claimed that he was called a “f ****** monkey” by Czech defender Ondrej Kudela during the closing stages of Rangers’ Europa League defeat to Slavia Prague on Thursday night.
Prague have repeatedly moved to defend their player and claimed that
Kudela was attacked in the tunnel after the incident that has reignited the conversation regarding abuse in football.
Motherwell and Dundee United players chose to stand rather than take a knee ahead of their Premiership fixtures with Kilmarnock and Aberdeen respectively on Saturday amid suggestions that the act had become something of a token gesture.
And that message was reinforced at Parkhead ahead of yesterday’s 1-1 draw as Rangers and Celtic players, management and staff stood united in the seconds before kick-off to once again highlight the issue of racism.
Gerrard said: “Glen has had some fantastic support and we as a club have had fantastic support.
“I think the reaction from Scottish football has been brilliant.
“I saw other clubs getting involved in the last few days and 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’d been.
“I have always been proud to be part of the game up here, representing Rangers and doing this job.
“But the last few days has 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.”
The act of solidarity before kick-off was preceded by a touching moment from Scott Brown, the Celtic captain, as he approached Kamara during the warm-up and offered him his support following a hugely difficult few days for the Finnish midfielder.
Gerrard has vowed to stand shoulder to shoulder with Kamara as UEFA investigate the allegations against Kudela and he was pleased to see the Old Firm come together for a