POLICE PROBE ASSAULT OF ...
SLAVIA PRAGUE PLAYER
A PROBE has been launched into reports of an alleged assault on a Slavia Prague player after their clash with Rangers.
We previously told how the Europa League last 16 tie descended into chaos after Czech defender Ondrej Kudela was accused of making a racist comment to Glen Kamara.
Covering his mouth with his hand, the centre-back was seen speaking into the Rangers midfielder’s ear, sparking fury from Kamara and his team-mates.
Gers manager Steven Gerrard explained later that he believed that a racist remark had been made.
After the match, there were reports of a bust-up in the tunnel at Ibrox, with Kudela allegedly punched by Kamara.
Slavia and Kudela deny the racism charge and have now made allegations of their own, claiming that the Czech international was assaulted following the game. Police Scotland have confirmed they have received reports of an assault from Slavia Prague and have launched a probe. A spokesman said: “We have received a report of an assault following the match between Rangers and Slavia Prague at Ibrox on Thursday, March 18, 2021. “Officers are liaising with both teams and an investigation is under way.” Slavia confirmed they had complained to Police Scotland over what they described as a “brutal and crude” attack on Kudela.
A statement by Slavia Prague said: “SK Slavia Praha has filed a criminal complaint with Police Scotland through the Embassy of the Czech Republic in Great Britain for the physical assault of player Ondrej Kudela.
“The attack on player Ondrej Kudela was pre-meditated and planned, including deliberately covering the cameras at the scene of the incident.”
Both alleged incidents are under investigation by UEFA.
Kamara claimed Kudela’s denial of making a racist comment was a “complete and utter lie” and added that Gers team-mate Bongani Zungu had heard what was said. But Slavia chairman Jaroslav Tvrdik Trpisovsky stoked the row between the clubs yesterday, saying: “What happened in Glasgow was the worst experience of my career. It’s incomprehensible to me what happened there.
“I’ll tell you what happened. About 50 minutes after the match, we were asked by Rangers manager Steven Gerrard to meet with Uefa.
“When we came to the tunnel for a meeting, not a word was said, Kamara threw his fists at Kudela and then ran away. I was two metres away.
“Rangers should look at Leicester City and how they took their elimination. We also won 2-0 there and they shook hands with us.”
Celtic and Rangers players both stood in solidarity with Kamara before their derby clash on Sunday, with Hoops captain Scott Brown striding up to the Gers players to pass on a message of support before kick-off.
Police Scotland later said they were investigating a number of complaints received over online racist abuse aimed at Rangers striker Alfredo Morelos, who scored in the 1-1 draw.