Slavia Prague's Ondrej Kudela suspended for Europa League game against Arsenal as UEFA begins investigation into Rangers match; UEFA also begins disciplinary proceedings against Rangers' Glen Kamara; Kamara's lawyer says the player feels 'victimised'
Wednesday 7 April 2021 18:33, UK
Glen Kamara's lawyer says Ondrej Kudela's provisional one-match ban "makes a mockery of UEFA's claims they take racism seriously".
Kudela was accused of racially abusing Kamara during Rangers' Europa League tie with Slavia Prague last month.
UEFA provisionally suspended Kudela while an investigation into the allegation continues while the governing body has also opened disciplinary proceedings against Kamara after Slavia Prague accused him of assaulting Kudela in the tunnel. Police Scotland are investigating both incidents.
Aamer Anwar told Sky Sports News his client feels "victimised" and wants stronger action to be taken against Kudela.
"Actions speak louder than words and today I think UEFA's conduct has made a mockery on their claims that they take racism seriously," said Mr Anwar.
"It would appear that Mr Kudela faces a one-match ban, albeit there's still a full-scale disciplinary investigation to take place into claims of racism. But in terms of the sufficiency of evidence, the evidence that presently exists, the corroborating evidence - I think the initial suspension should have been much harsher before we get into what the final sanctions will be if he's found guilty.
"The example is that the one-game suspension makes no difference to Mr Kudela at all because his team had already stated he would not be travelling to Arsenal because he was too ill to play. So what difference does it make that he's had a one-game suspension?
"I've spoke to Glen this morning (Wednesday) - he's got training, he's back from international duty. He feels as though he has been victimised. It has caused strain, pressure."
Mr Anwar also called for tougher punishments to be put in place and says players who are found guilty of racist abuse should face a minimum one-year ban.
"You have the example of Bulgaria playing England in 2019, those horrific circumstances in which black players had to go onto the field and play," he said.
"You saw the tokenistic responses by UEFA at that point (Bulgaria were fined €75,000 and ordered to play one competitive match behind closed doors, with a further match suspended for two years).
"These things don't really mean much. If they are going to mean business, then you ban a player for a minimum of a year. You impose exemplary robust fines on clubs so they know this will impact on their ability to earn money. Because that seems to be the only thing these clubs and players care about.
"It must impact on their careers. If it's not acceptable on a public street or any other walk of life, why should it be acceptable if it's on a football pitch?"
Sky Sports News has asked UEFA, Slavia Prague and the social media companies referenced for a response to Mr Anwar's comments.
