Scotland to continue 'taking a stand' against racism at Euros

Scotland will continue “taking a stand” against racism at the European Championships.

The national team decided to “stand up against racism”, rather than taking the knee, in March following a series of racist incidents in the Scottish game this season.

Rangers player Glen Kamara was abused during a Europa League match against Slavia Prague in the most high-profile incident, which also led to several Premiership clubs abandoning taking the knee before games.

On Thursday it was confirmed that Scotland would continue this stance before all of their Euro 2020 games.

Captain Andy Robertson said: “It is important we continue to tackle the issue of racism and raise awareness of the need to change people’s mindsets but also their behaviours.

“Prior to our World Cup qualifiers in March we spoke as a group and felt that taking a stand was the best way for us to show solidarity and also to reinforce the need for meaningful change in society.”

Scotland open their campaign against Czech Republic at Hampden on Monday before playing England four days later and Croatia in the final group game.

Czech player Ondrej Kudela will miss the tournament as part of his punishment for the Kamara incident after he was banned for ten games for abusing the Rangers player.

England players were recently booed by a section of their own support after taking the knee against racism before a friendly match.

Manager Gareth Southgate has confirmed that they will continue taking the knee during the tournament.