Gerrard says he ‘loved’ to see Arsenal thump Slavia
STEVEN GERRARD has praised the professionalism of Glen Kamara as the midfielder focuses on his football amid the ongoing fall-out from the racist abuse he suffered last month.
Slavia Prague defender Ondrej Kudela was this week handed a 10-game ban by UEFA after being convicted of racially abusing Kamara during their Europa League clash with Rangers.
Kamara will serve a threegame suspension following an alleged altercation in the tunnel and both players could face further action from Police Scotland following an investigation.
But the 25-year-old will not allow another week of headlines to detract from his football as he prepares for tomorrow’s Scottish Cup fourth round fixture with Celtic at Ibrox.
Gerrard said: “I think Glen has handled the whole situation really well and professionally. It is typical of him, really.
“Really calm, really measured, he is a clever kid and really mature for someone of his age.
“He has been through a lot but what he has had is really strong support from all of us here at Rangers and from everyone at the club, the supporters and you guys as well and everyone around the game.
“He has gone about his business very well, very professionally and he is fine. He is looking forward to the game at the weekend, he has prepared really well and I have had numerous chats with Glen.
“The main thing that is coming from him is that he just wants to play football and that is what he loves doing. We will continue to support him in any way that we can.”
Kamara has received widespread support following the incident at Ibrox and the punishment handed to Kudela has been criticised by key figures across the domestic and European game.
Arsenal players took a knee ahead of their last-eight fixture with Slavia on Thursday evening and Mikel Arteta’s side ran out comfortable 4-0 winners to end Prague’s controversial European campaign.
Gerrard said: “I loved everything about the game. I loved Arsenal’s performance, I loved the way they went about it and I admired how they approached before the game, during the game and after the game.
“I was really proud watching Arsenal last night. Everything about it. I thought the way they prepared for the game, the way the manager spoke, the way the players behaved during and after, and then to back it up with that level of performance, I sat there and really enjoyed that game. I thought it was a sensational performance.”