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Kudela could face prison, Czech president weighs in on racism case

Police have reported Ondrej Kudela to Scotland's prosecution service after investigating claims o...



Kudela could face prison, Czec...
Soccer

Kudela could face prison, Czech president weighs in on racism case

Police have reported Ondrej Kudela to Scotland's prosecution service after investigating claims of racist abuse against Rangers' Glen Kamara.

A case of "racially aggravated conduct" has been submitted against the Czech, following their Europa League game at Ibrox last month.

If convicted, Kudela - who's already been handed a 10-game ban by UEFA - faces up to six months in prison.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said, “A report has been sent to the Procurator Fiscal following enquiries into alleged racial abuse and a reported assault at the match between Rangers and Slavia Prague at Ibrox on Thursday, March 18, 2021.”

Kudela was seen making a comment into Kamara's ear in the closing stages of their Europa League last-16 second leg at Ibrox.

Kamara met with police to discuss the complaints last week, and his lawyer Aamer Anwar urged the Czech international to do the same.

"It is disappointing that to date Mr Kudela has failed to co-operate with Police Scotland," Anward said, "Has not attended any police interviews, and has failed to provide a full statement to Police Scotland.

“We would strongly urge Mr Kudela to co-operate with officers carrying out their investigations into his alleged criminal conduct.

“Conversely, Glen Kamara has fully co-operated with Police Scotland and provided a statement to officers at my offices on Friday, April 9."

Meanwhile, the office of Czech president Milos Zemen has weighed in on Kudela's 10-game ban.

Zemen's chief of staff Vladimir Mynar wrote to UEFA's disciplinary body complaining that the suspension was disproportionately high.

"I want to point out the racism charges were not proven. Even a UEFA inspector questioned whether Ondrej Kudela uttered the racist remark," said self-proclaimed Slavia fan Mynar.

"You have sentenced a decent man without a single proof... only to fulfil the pervert expectations of a narrow group of activists and of a club unable to win on the pitch."

"In your hands, the fight against racism has turned into... hypocrisy, positive discrimination and ridiculous bowing to silly trends."

Meanwhile, Slavia chairman Jaroslav Tvrdik apologised to Kamara for the "distress caused to him and his teammates."

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Czech Republic Glen Kamara Ibrox Ondrej Kudela Racism Racist Rangers Slavia Prague