THE SCOTTISH FA’s equality and diversity board are set to put the alleged racist abuse suffered by Rangers midfielder Glen Kamara at the top of the agenda at on online summit involving the major players in football’s battle against discrimination tomorrow.

The SFA today revealed the Scotland national team has also agreed to ‘Stand Up and say #NoToRacism’ ahead of their opening 2022 World Cup qualifier against Austria at Hampden on Thursday night.

SFA chief executive Ian Maxwell is among those who will take part in a meeting of the equality and diversity board (EDAB) tomorrow.

Maxwell revealed the SFA have been in contact with Rangers since Kamara was targeted by Ondrej Kumala at the end of the Europa League match against Slavia Prague at Ibrox last Thursday night to offer support and confirmed the matter would be prioritised at the EDAB talks.  

The Finnsh internationalist has claimed he was called "a f****** monkey" by his Czech opponent. 

“The incident involving Glen Kamara at Ibrox last week demonstrates that society and football still has a lot of work to do to eradicate racism,” said Maxwell.

“Scottish football’s response shows the commitment to change and EDAB exists to be an agency for change, bringing consensus from across the game on all matters of equality and diversity.

“After witnessing the scenes last Thursday, we contacted Rangers immediately through our equality team to offer our support and guidance through a range of services and we aim to continue that dialogue with any club directly affected by these issues.

“Scottish football has helped raise awareness of the issue of racism by taking the knee throughout the season but there is an acknowledgment that more needs to be done than a gesture of support, especially in the increasing scourge of racist abuse to players via social media.

“Through our EDAB discussions we will explore ways of implementing meaningful change with players at the centre of those discussions.”

Maxwell will be joined by new board members Tony Higgins (PFA Scotland), Jordan Allison (Show Racism the Red Card), Maureen McGonigle (Scottish Women in Sport) and Sirri Topping (LEAP Sports).

Livingston midfielder Marvin Bartley and former Scotland internationalist Leanne Ross, who have just been appointed as EDAB equality advisors and will offer the board a players’ perspective on the issues which exist in the game, will be involved in the summit.

SFA equality advisor Bartley said: “We have seen all too recently that racism still continues to be a major issue within football and further demonstrates the work that needs done to eradicate it from our game.

“I am eager to join Leanne Ross as an advisor to the Scottish FA, to provide thoughts from a player’s perspective on issues that are extremely close my heart.

“Recently we’ve witnessed every club in the country pull together and unite against racism and now it’s time for us to continue to make sure no individual is ever left to feel alone or ostracised.

“Rivalries based on the colour of shirt a player wears on a Saturday is healthy but rivalries based on their skin colour is not. Through my new role I’m really looking forward to helping the Scottish FA and EDAB in their equality and diversity aims.”

EDAB chair and SFA independent non-executive director Ana Stewart said: “Inviting members from key equality and diversity stakeholders to join EDAB, as well as gaining insight from current players such as Leanne and Marvin will be invaluable as we continue our aim to work towards equality for all.

“Our dialogue with the clubs is also vitally important and this week we look forward to discussing the ongoing issues of racism and the impact they have on footballers in many forms. We want to listen to the concerns clubs and, more importantly, players have around these issues and do all we can within EDAB to help eradicate this stain on our game.”

Show Racism the Red Card campaign manager Allison said: “We are grateful for this responsibility and look forward to championing education as the key to driving inclusion for all within Scottish football.

“Many top role models within the men’s and women’s game have voiced their calls for action, and their willingness to help educate future generations is extremely encouraging. The Scottish FA’s Equality Framework gives us a real opportunity to listen and make positive change throughout the game in Scotland. We must now see progress.”

PFA Scotland chief executive Fraser Wishart said: “Along with Show Racism the Red Card, the players union has been at the forefront of the fight against racism and discrimination for over 20 years.

"The fight against inequality and social injustice is even more prominent and important today than it was when our president Tony Higgins, who will represent us on EDAB, helped form Show Racism the Red Card those many years ago.

“The racist abuse suffered by Glen Kamara last Thursday is just the latest incident in what has been a worrying time for our game and indeed society as a whole. There is no place for racism and discrimination in football or any walk of life. Our game has been blighted by the shadow of racism for too long and it has to stop – enough is enough.

“The players have shown togetherness with their actions this season, be that by Taking A Knee or making a stand with Glen as they did at the weekend, and are determined to play their part and make their voices heard. They want action and they want change. Awareness and education are key and have never been more crucial as we look to rid our game of the scourge that is racism.”