Tavernier calls on football to work together to Eradicate racism after SFA summit
JAMES TAVERNIER has called for a united and concerted effort from all stakeholders in society and football to help eradicate the issue of racism after revealing every black player at Rangers had been abused this season.
Tavernier represented Rangers in his role as captain at a Scottish FA summit on Wednesday as players and officials from the Premiership clubs came together in the wake of the rise in incidents of racism over the course of the campaign.
Glen Kamara has that he was called a monkey’ by defender claimed ‘f ****** Ondrej
Kudela during Rangers’ Europa League clash with Slavia Prague last month and striker Kemar Roofe was the subject of racist abuse on social media after the 2-0 defeat.
Slavia have denied the accusations of racism and vowed to defend Kudela, whilst making claims that he was assaulted post-match as they await the outcome of UEFA and Police Scotland investigations.
UEFA have yet to decide what punishment, if any, will be handed to Kudela as the fallout continues but Tavernier is pleased to see Scottish clubs come together and present a united front.
Tavernier said: “This was a very useful exercise and it was pleasing to be able to air my views to the rest of the clubs in the SPFL as well as the SFA.
“Every black player in our squad had been the victim of racist abuse this season, either online or in the case of Glen Kamara, on the field of play. This is unacceptable and must stop.
“It is vital that football authorities, clubs, government bodies and social media companies work together to educate and empower to ultimately, eradicate hatred from our game and society in general.
“We are keen continue to engage to but highlighted that we need to see clear outcomes from discussions rather than simply ticking a box.”
Rangers and Kamara have received widespread support since the last-16 fixture and Celtic captain Scott Brown would embrace the Finland internationalist ahead of the Old Firm clash at Parkhead.
Celtic were also represented at the meeting that was hosted by the Scottish FA and chief executive Peter Lawwell has vowed the club will play their part in eradicating offensive behaviour from football and society.
Lawwell said: “Unfortunately, across many years, numerous Celtic players and staff have
Every black player in our squad has been the victim of racist abuse this season
been subjected to various forms of racism and discrimination.
“Whether it relates to Celtic or any other club, it is time it stopped. Racism or any other form of discrimination should have no place in football or society and we need to do all we can to eradicate such prejudice.
“As a Club open to all since 1888 we will continue to do all we can to promote this hugely important message and we look forward to working with other clubs and the wider football authorities to tackle this issue.”
Stewart Robertson, the Rangers managing director, expressed hope that the abuse of Kamara would act as a catalyst for change as the football world rallied in support of the 25-year-old following the alleged incident.
Slavia have been vocal in their support of Kudela and condemnation of the alleged attack on him in the tunnel as they have repeatedly criticised Roofe for the challenge on keeper Ondrej Kolar that saw him receive a straight red card.
The Czechs released another statement on Wednesday calling for ‘the immediate halt of escalating biased pressure’ from Rangers in the aftermath of Robertson’s comments and chairman Jaroslav Tvrdik has again attempted to clear Kudela’s name.
Tvrdik said: “The pending investigations conducted by the officials of UEFA and the local
Police have made no findings so far. However, our player Ondrej Kudela has already been the subject of a public ‘conviction’ without any evidence whatsoever; he is a victim of prejudice and a presumption of guilt.
“The UEFA Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector is still conducting an investigation regarding the incidents in question and has been granted additional time until 5 April 2021 to deliver his report.
“We believe in an evidenceand law-based process whereby Ondrej and our club both provide necessary cooperation to the respective authorities. We have presented evidence which, in our view, cleanses Ondrej of an unjustified accusation racism.
“The sad side of the whole matter is that Rangers are trying to cover up overtly aggressive play by their team. During the match itself, our goalkeeper Ondrej Kolar was gravely injured and sustained a frontal sinus fracture while our doctor was prevented to examine him on site even dozens of minutes after the final whistle.
“Not to mention that there were several other serious fouls against our players and a number of those have remained unpunished. Such behaviour does not belong in the prestigious UEFA Europa League.” of