RANGERS managing director Stewart Robertson has vowed that the Ibrox club will not allow Glen Kamara to become "yet another statistic" after the Finland internationalist claimed to be racially abused during Thursday night's 2-0 defeat to Slavia Prague.
The Czechs were in cruise control after Kemar Roofe was shown a straight red for inadvertantly kicking Slavia goalkeeper Ondrej Kolar in the head - with the keeper stretchered off in the aftermath - and Leon Balogun picked up a second booking, leaving the hosts with nine men on the park.
With the clock winding down and the visitors leading 3-1 on aggregate, Slavia Prague's Ondrej Kudela was seen cupping his mouth and saying something discreetly to Kamara - prompting a furious reaction from the Rangers players.
After the match, Gerrard revealed that Kamara claimed he was subjected to racist abuse - a charge that Slavia vehemently deny.
Rangers have now issued a statement from Robertson on behalf of the club, backing their player to the hilt and demanding a "robust and unequivocal response" from UEFA over the incident.
"Racism is unacceptable in any form and in any setting," Robertson told the club website.
"The racist abuse suffered by Glen Kamara will not be tolerated by Rangers. As a club, we stand resolutely behind Glen as we support him and his team-mates.
"We stand behind each and every one of our players. Regardless of race, religion, colour or creed - if you wear the famous blue of Rangers FC, you are one of our own. Everyone, Anyone.
Club Statement
— Rangers Football Club (@RangersFC) March 19, 2021
"Several of our players have subsequently received racist, threatening and sickening abuse online. This is abhorrent and once again highlights the responsibility social media outlets have in eradicating abuse from faceless cowards.
"We refuse to acknowledge any attempt to defend, deflect or deny the abuse Glen Kamara experienced last night.
"Our manager, Steven Gerrard has already underlined his own disgust at this incident and support for our players. We can confirm that Steven, our chairman Douglas Park, sporting director Ross Wilson and I, met last night to agree our club stance.
“We also met with UEFA representatives. This incident has been reported to the UEFA match delegate and we understand that it has formed part of his match report.
“UEFA will be well aware the football world is watching. We expect a robust and unequivocal response in relation to this incident. It cannot be merely ‘swept under the carpet’- we are not prepared for Glen Kamara to be yet another statistic. Enough is enough.
READ MORE: Rangers striker Kemar Roofe receives racist abuse following Slavia Prague red card
“We note the injury sustained by Ondrej Kolar during an accidental collision last night. Our club doctor treated the player and we hope he has a speedy recovery. We wish the club well in the next round of the Europa League.
“There will be no further comment until we receive a response from UEFA.”
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