During the Europa League match against Sparta Prague in the Czech city last week Rangers midfielder Glen Kamara and the club’s other black players were booed by children. This has prompted UEFA to begin an inquiry as we record football news. Following racial abuse of Monaco’s Aurelien Tchouameni in August Sparta’s fans had been banned from the stadium, with approximately 10,000 kids and some adult chaperones attending Thursday’s match in their stead.
On the other hand, the Gers’ black players were booed throughout the game, with Kamara, who was the victim of a horrific racist incident against Sparta’s city rivals Slavia last season, receiving a particularly nasty welcome every time he touched the ball. UEFA is looking into the newest claim of racism, looking into ‘possible discriminatory acts’ following Steven Gerrard’s side’s 1-0 defeat, stated the governing body of European football.
A statement read: “In accordance with Article 31(4) of the UEFA Disciplinary Regulations, a UEFA Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector has been appointed to conduct a disciplinary investigation regarding potential discriminatory incidents allegedly occurring during the 2021/22 UEFA Europa League group-stage match between AC Sparta Praha and Rangers FC played on 30 September 2021. Information on this matter will be made available in due course.”
Speaking after the match, Gerrard said, as quoted by Sky Sports: “There are hundreds of thousands and maybe more people frustrated because these things keep raising their head far too often. Unfortunately the punishment is not enough. I said last night there needs to be more done. It’s the only way it’s going to get eradicated because the punishments are nowhere near severe enough.”
However, Sparta defended those in attendance in the aftermath of the game. “[It is] absolutely unbelievable that after a match we have to watch innocent children being attacked and face unfounded accusations of racism,” a statement read. “Insulting children on the internet and in the media is unacceptable, desperate and ridiculous… Stop attacking our children! Our club will proudly defend our children – our future and our pride. Slandering children on the internet is extremely cowardly.”
