UEFA dismisses Andrej Kudela’s appeal against 10-match ban for racist behaviour

What has been said?

A UEFA statement read: “The appeal lodged by Mr. Ondrej Kudela has been dismissed. Consequently, the UEFA Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body's (CEDB) decision is confirmed.

“The CEDB had decided to suspend SK Slavia Praha player, Mr. Ondrej Kudela, for the next ten (10) UEFA club and representative team competition matches for which he would otherwise be eligible to play, for racist behaviour.”

What happened on the night?

During the Europa League match between Rangers and Slavia Prague at Ibrox on March 18, Kudela said something to Kamara while covering his mouth amid a late clash.

Rangers manager Steven Gerrard later said he was left “angry and upset” after Kamara told him he was racially abused during the game, which Rangers lost 2-0 to exit the tournament 3-1 on aggregate.

Rangers players later confronted Kudela, with Slavia alleging that the defender was assaulted in the tunnel after the match in Glasgow.

How did Slavia respond to the ban?

In an official statement, Slavia chariman Jaroslav Tvrdik said the club “respect the decision”.

“In any case, Ondřej Kúdela should not have approached the opposition player,” he said.

“I deeply regret that and apologise to Glen Kamara for a situation that has clearly caused distress to him and his teammates, as well as everyone associated with Slavia and Rangers.

“I am taking positive steps to prevent such a situation from happening in our club ever again.

“A long-term aim of the club’s management is to build a 'Slavia for everybody' with zero tolerance towards hatred, racism, and discrimination. Slavia never discriminated against any minority as a club.

“We want to learn even more from this situation, and we are open to cooperation with major anti-racism British organizations on workshops and setting up even more robust internal club rules.”

What did Ranger say at the time?

A club statement read: “We welcome the suspension imposed on Ondrej Kudela. This not only vindicates Glen Kamara’s evidence but underlines the severity of the comment, given the maximum number of games has been imposed by UEFA.

“Nevertheless, we believe the sanctions imposed on our two players (Glen Kamara and Kemar Roofe) are severe. We have written to UEFA, seeking clarification in writing on the basis that we intend to appeal the suspensions on both of players.

“We will make no further comment on this matter.”

(Photo: Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)