UEFA to probe Rangers vs Slavia Prague game amid claims of racism, assault

UEFA said on Friday it was investigating incidents in Rangers' Europa League clash with Slavia Prague after midfielder Glen Kamara complained of being racially abused  in Thursday's 2-0 defeat in Glasgow.

Rangers were knocked out of the competition following a 3-1 aggregate loss in their last-16 second leg after having two players sent off in a heated encounter, which saw a melee on the pitch and clashes in the tunnel after the game.

"An Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector will conduct an investigation regarding the incidents that occurred," European football governing body UEFA said in a statement.

Finland international Kamara was furious after Slavia centre back Ondrej Kudela leaned into his ear and said something while covering his mouth, sparking the fracas in the final stages of the match in Europe's second-tier club competition.

Kudela said in a Slavia statement that he swore at a Rangers player after being fouled, but denied using racist language. Slavia also alleged that Kudela was assaulted by Kamara after the game and have officially complained to Scottish police.

Rangers boss Steven Gerrard called on UEFA to take action.

"My player tells me he was racially abused," Gerrard said. "I feel angry ... I know Glen and I trust him 100% and it is extremely disappointing.

"It is over to UEFA now this situation and I just hope it doesn't get brushed under the carpet."

Kamara issued a statement on Friday through his solicitor.

"There is no place for racism or any form of bigotry in football," the statement read. "Since (the) summer many of us have taken the knee in solidarity with those who have lost their lives to racial violence.

"If UEFA genuinely wants to 'show racism the red card', then it's time to stop the tokenism and take a zero-tolerance approach. As a player, I do not expect myself, nor any other to have to tolerate racial hatred on or off the pitch in 2021."