We condemn in the strongest terms the abuse Glen Kamara was subjected to last night during Rangers UEFA League match with Sparta Prague. As we all know, this is not the first time Glen has suffered sickening abuse on the pitch, but the fact that this time it came from the mouths of children through sustained booing is beyond alarming and only strengthens the call for greater sanctions from UEFA for this type of behaviour. There is no place for it in football or the modern world.
Last night’s events in Prague, along with similar incidents in other UEFA Europa League matches, proves beyond a doubt that racism and discrimination are a global problem and a joined up approach at the highest levels, both within football and in governments across the world, is urgently needed to eradicate it.
We are not blind to the problems within our own country, including racism, discrimination and sectarianism. In recent weeks, we have seen players across all levels of or game subjected to racist abuse from our stands – it HAS to stop. We all have a responsibility to call out all forms of this behaviour and ensure those carrying it out are dealt with through the proper legal channels.
Later this month the Show Racism the Red Card Fortnight of Action will take place across Scottish football calling for an end to racism and all forms of discrimination. Players across the country will join together and make a stand against racism and abuse. We have to ensure that the message from the Fortnight of Action and the significance of players Taking A Knee at the start of games does not get diluted through time. We must continue to educate and raise awareness of racism and discrimination on a daily basis.
