CZECHS BITE BACK AFTER BAN

Government official launches astonishing tirade at UEFA over ban

ASENIOR Czech government official has launched an extraordinary tirade at UEFA and claimed Ondrej Kudela was only convicted of racist abuse to satisfy the “perverted expectations of a small group of activists”.

Kudela has been given a 10-match suspension for calling Rangers midfielder Glen Kamara a “f ****** monkey” during the Europa League clash with Slavia Prague last month.

He also faces a potential court appearance after Police Scotland submitted a report of “racially aggravated conduct” against the 34-year-old to the Procurator Fiscal, while Kamara has also been reported for allegedly assualting Kudela in the tunnel after the game.

Football figures across the game have criticised UEFA for the leniency shown towards Kudela but Vratislav Mynar, who heads up the Office of the President of the Republic, has blasted the decision.

In his open letter to UEFA’s control, ethics and disciplinary body, he wrote: “I note that racism is unproven and alleged. The UEFA inspector himself questioned that Ondrej Kudela had made a racist statement.

“Nevertheless, you have decided on a completely unprecedented punishment for a player who did not harm anyone and only verbally – according to his statement – offended his opponent. You condemn a decent person without a single piece of evidence.

“You make it impossible for athletes to fulfil their dream in the Europa League – all this just to fulfil the perverted expectations of a small group of activists and a club unable to win on the field, all the more so by shouting empty and hurtful phrases about racism.

“In your submission, the fight against racism has become the fight of the unsuccessful against the successful, the pinnacle of hypocrisy, positive discrimination and embarrassing undermining with stupid trends. Your efforts can lead to the opposite, a situation where a person with a colour other than black will be discriminated against, oppressed and deprived of their rights. That is why I also consider it necessary to oppose this procedure.

“Although you’re probably not used to it, let me tell you one thing. I very much appreciate the fact that the Czech public does not identify with your verdict, across the whole society. On the contrary, even if only for a short time, you have managed to unite ancient rivals. We will not kneel before you and no threats apply to the Czech football fan.”

Glasgow Times Sport contacted UEFA for comment, but has not had a response.