Slavia Prague 'filed criminal complaint' after Rangers clash

Slavia Prague have said they have raised a criminal complaint against Rangers player Glen Kamara and continue to insist that their player Ondrej Kudela did not racially abuse the midfielder.

The statement came as UEFA confirmed it was opening an investigation into events at Ibrox on Thursday evening.

In a statement issued on Friday night, Kamara said that Kúdela used a derogatory term against him when he leaned into his ear.

The Europa League match between the sides was marked by a serious incident in the second half when Rangers players reacted angrily after Kudela approached Kamara with his hand over his mouth and said something that appeared to shock the midfielder and his teammate Bongani Zungu.

After the final whistle, Rangers manager Steven Gerrard said that Kamara had insisted he was racially abused.

Slavia instantly denied the allegation and a spokesperson claimed after the game that Kudela was “beaten with fists” by Kamara after the final whistle.

Now the club has issued a further statement, claiming that they have filed a criminal complaint through the Czech embassy in London.

It read: “SK Slavia Prague filed criminal complaint to Scottish police through the Embassy of the Czech Republic in London for physical assault on player Ondřej Kúdela.

“Physical assault on Ondřej Kúdela was prepared and deliberate act which included covering of cameras on the site of the incident. The assault was brutal and carried out with the full force with the intention to hurt and cause physical harm to our player.

“In the text, the names of people who witnessed the incident are stated, including UEFA representatives and Rangers FC manager Mr. Steven Gerrard.”

A previous article made a robust defence of Kudela’s character. “Ondřej Kúdela is one of the team captains elected in secret polls by the players who choose characters that enjoy their trust,” it read. “He is a decent and modest person with a strong moral integrity, popular amongst the players and fans, a football gentleman. He categorically denies and refutes any allegations of racism.

“We are shocked that his reputation and the club’s reputation are being smeared without a single piece of evidence. The only “alleged” evidence is the player covering his mouth – which Ondřej does on a regular basis when he talks to his teammates during our games.”

Rangers are adamant that Kamara was the victim of racist abuse and have called on UEFA to take firm and strong action.

Earlier on Friday, Rangers managing director Stewart Robertson said that the club “refuse to acknowledge any attempt to defend, deflect or deny the abuse Glen Kamara experienced”.

Police Scotland confirmed it had not received any reports of criminality from either club.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “No reports of criminality have been made by either club in connection with last night’s match.

“Police Scotland has contacted club officials and assured them that should any allegation be received it will be investigated thoroughly.”