Czech lawyer in court threat over Glen storm
A top Czech lawyer has demanded an apology from Rangers star Glen Kamara’s brief, Aamer Anwar, and Livingston No. 2, Marvin Bartley, for their comments about racism in the country.
And he has threatened to drag them through the Prague courts.
On Friday, UEFA announced they will take no action after the Europa League tie between the Light Blues and Sparta, where 10,000 children appeared to boo Kamara, who was sent off during the 1-0 defeat.
The midfielder suffered racist abuse last season from Slavia Prague defender, Ondrej Kudela, who was later handed a 10-match ban from UEFA.
Anwar slaughtered UEFA for taking no action this time, but it’s his previous comments about the Czech Republic having a “culture of denial” and a “deeprooted problem with racism in Czech society” that has prompted the action by lawyer, Adam Batuna.
He has also targeted Bartley, the SFA’S equality and diversity advisor, who also heavily criticised the Czechs.
Batuna explained: “It offends me to hear that I am a racist. I live in Prague. I’ve a lot of friends of different skin colours, and what I read from Mr Anwar appalled me.
“His contributions show that he considers not only Prague people, but also the Czech Republic in general, to be a country that has a big problem with racism. I don’t think any nation and any city can like such claims.
“Everyone has the right to an opinion. We have freedom of speech. But there must be no dishonesty, which is definitely the case here.
“These are not only Mr Anwar’s tweets, but also the statement of Marvin Bartley, who compared Czech parents and children to rotten fruit.
“My friends and I said we couldn’t leave it at that. As a lawyer, I was asked to act.
“We will demand that the gentlemen apologise for their statements, and for damaging the good name of the Czechs and the people of Prague.
“Sure, you can find racists in every country. But you can’t apply such a comment to everyone.
“We are looking to bring an action before the Czech courts, which is now more complicated due to Great Britain withdrawing from the European Union.
“Within a few days we will know how we are doing. If they don’t apologise, our chances of success are great.”