Ondrej Kudela's appeal against 10-match ban for racially abusing Glen Kamara dismissed by UEFA
Glen Kamara claimed he was racially abused by Ondrej Kudela during Rangers' Europa League match against Slavia Prague on March 18; Kudela was given a 10-match ban by UEFA for 'racist behaviour'; Kamara will serve a three-game suspension for assaulting Kudela in the tunnel afterwards
Wednesday 26 May 2021 20:29, UK
Slavia Prague's Ondrej Kudela will miss this summer's European Championship after UEFA rejected his appeal against a 10-game ban for racially abusing Rangers midfielder Glen Kamara.
The Czech Republic international had hoped to play a part in this summer's tournament - which will see Jaroslav Silhavy's team take on Scotland, Croatia and England in Group D.
However, European football's governing body has stood firm on its punishment after finding Kudela guilty of shouting a racial slur into Kamara's ear during a Europa League tie at Ibrox in March.
"The appeal lodged by Mr Ondrej Kudela has been dismissed," UEFA said in a statement.
"Consequently, the UEFA Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body's (CEDB) decision of 14 April 2021 is confirmed.
"The CEDB had decided to suspend Slavia Praha player, Mr Ondrej Kudela, for the next 10 UEFA club and representative team competition matches for which he would otherwise be eligible to play, for racist behaviour."
UEFA first opened disciplinary proceedings against Kudela and Kamara after the pair clashed towards the end of their Europa League last-16 second leg on March 18.
Kamara claimed he was racially abused by Kudela late in the match, sparking a fracas that continued in the tunnel after the end of the game.
Kudela insisted he swore at the Rangers player after being fouled but denied using racist language. However, he was found guilty of 'racist behaviour' and was handed the 10-man ban by UEFA.
Kamara was himself given a three-match suspension after he was found guilty of assaulting Kudela after the match.
However, his ban only covers UEFA club competitions, meaning he will be eligible to represent Finland at the Euros this summer.
'UEFA should issue minimum one-year ban for racial abuse'
Kamara's lawyer Aamer Anwar insists Kudela's 10-match suspension is not enough and has called on UEFA to issue harsher punishments to those found guilty of racial abuse.
"I'm yet to hear any apology for the vile racist abuse and the death threats that Glen has received and continues to receive," Anwar told Sky Sports News.
"I've heard nothing about that from the club [Slavia Prague] and I think that it is highly unlikely.
"I think that the club needs to look at itself but also UEFA needs to look at itself, at the conduct of the fans, at the conduct of the club and the fact that the club has still not issued a full apology to Glen Kamara. That is the very least that Glen deserves.
"They should have a minimum one-year ban for players when it comes to this and they should be fining clubs and players substantial amounts so that it damages their pockets.
"If, let's for instance say, someone is setting up a Super League, then UEFA will almost move instantaneously and threaten all sorts of sanctions and punishments.
"But if it comes to racism, then it's very tokenistic. Take the knee, fly the banner, pop up a slogan and think that it's job done. It's not job done.
"We've seen the abuse. The 24 hours, seven days abuse that has gone on. The vile abuse on social media. We've seen it on Instagram and other platforms and there is yet real action to be taken.
"The reality is this, take away the issue of social media and all this, this is about a player having conducted himself in this manner. It still goes on."
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