Finland manager stands by Kamara

FINLAND head coach Markku Kanerva has slammed the alleged racist abuse of Glen Kamara as ‘reprehensible’ and insists he stands shoulder to shoulder with the Rangers midfielder.

Kanerva has welcomed the 27-times capped player into the squad for their forthcoming games against Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ukraine and Switzerland, just days after the unsavoury incident against Slavia Prague in the Europa League.

Slavia defender Ondrej Kudela is alleged to have whispered a sickening racial slur into the 25-year-old’s ear during last Thursday’s clash at Ibrox.

Kanerva said: “Racism does not belong to sport or football in any form. The Football Association, myself, the team’s staff and the players condemn all forms of racism.

“One of our players, Glen Kamara, was subjected to racist insult, and it’s really shocking and reprehensible.

“That’s all I want to say, that I stand with you Glen.”

Elsewhere, South Africa boss Molefi Ntseki has hit out after being told he will not be able to call on Rangers midfielder Bongani Zungu for Thursday’s Africa Cup of Nations clash against Ghana.

Reports from South Africa claim that Rangers have prevented the 28-year-old from linking up with his country in Johannesburg due to fact he would have to self-isolate on his return.

Carlisle’s Dean Furman, Thulani Serero of Al Jazira and Montpellier playmaker Keagan Dolly have also pulled out. Talks are said to be ongoing with the clubs in the hope that the players could be available for Sunday’s final Group C qualifier in Sudan.

Ntseki said: “We should all agree that nobody from South Africa or Africa brought Covid-19. It is very unfair for us to be punished by saying: ‘You cannot be released to go to South Africa because it is a hot spot’. I think all over the world, it’s a hot spot.”