Europa League

RANGERS star Glen Kamara was allegedly subjected to racist abuse during an angry flare-up in their Europa League clash with Slavia Prague.The Light Blues star was left visibly angered by Slavia defender Ondrej Kudela as angry scenes flared up in the final stages of the 2-0 defeat at Ibrox.
Rangers and Slavia Prague players involved in angry scenes at Ibrox.
Connor Goldson was penalised for a foul and in the aftermath Kudela covered his mouth and appeared to whisper something towards Kamara – who could be heard screaming in the direction of the referee following his words.
The incident sparked fury amongst the Rangers players with Goldson leading the charge alongside his team-mate after hearing what was allegedly said.
It is not clear at this stage what the comment made towards Kamara was.
The drama continued after the full-time whistle with Steven Gerrard talking to a number of Slavia players on the pitch as well as members of the Slavia coaching staff.
Speaking about the incident on BT Sport, pundit Stephen Craigan said: “It looks like he has been abused in some way, we don’t know how.
“But the fact he has covered his mouth shows he wants it to remain private. 
“He has travelled 60 or 70 yards to get involved in an incident across the pitch.”
TV pictures showed Gerrard and his Slavia counterpart Jindrich Trpisovsky out on the pitch in discussions once again after the match with officials as they spoke about the incident in length.
Slavia’s Kudela whispers into Rangers star Glen Kamara’s ear
Speaking after full-time, Gerrard confirmed Kamara had told him he was racially abused.
He told reporters: “Sometimes in you career there are things that happen that are more important than the game, that are above football. That’s what’s happened tonight.
“First, I’ll deal with the football side. We were beaten by the better team over the two legs so congratulations to Slavia. They deserved it and in no way do I want to sit here and be a bad loser and come out with any excuses. I’m really proud of my player for the efforts and the journey they took us on.
“In terms of the other incident, I have to be careful what I say but you build relationships in football and I have built a very, very strong relationship with Glen Kamara.
“Glen Kamara to me is one of my own. I 100 percent believe what he is saying in terms of the accusation. Other players around him heard it.
“I will stand with Glen Kamara and deal with it however he wants to deal with it. I’m proud of all of my players tonight. They showed solidarity and from the top of this club to the bottom we stand with the players.
“It’s over to Uefa now, this situation, and I just hope it doesn’t get brushed under the carpet.
Steven Gerrard was seen discussing the matter with his Prague counterpart after full-timeCredit: AFP
“I feel angry right now. It’s difficult to describe how I feel because I know Glen, I trust him 100 per cent. It’s extremely disappointing and there’s too much of it happening around football.
“The Slavia player has caused this, caused the situation to escalate even further because straight away the fans join in and the racism just grows and grows and grows.
“Something needs to happen quickly, that is above me. But 100 per cent I stand with Glen.
“There was a lot of commotion around that we tried to defuse and this will be taken on by Uefa. I’m sure they will speak to both players and we will let other people deal with it.
“All I can confirm is that my player tells me that he was racially abused.
“I tried to call Glen over during the game but he didn’t want to. I was going to ask him if he wanted to leave the pitch and I would have backed him whatever his decision was.
“The players stayed on the pitch and it was played to a conclusion. It’ll be taken out of my hands now and be dealt with by Uefa.
“I just hope, with all my heart, that people deal with it because that situation is not normal.
This is a cool, calm kid and it’s not him to accuse someone of anything. It’s not him.Steven Gerrard

“If I wanted to say something to you on a football pitch, why do I need to cover my mouth with my hands.
“They were 2-0 up at the time and we had nine men. What’s disappointing to me is that there are people trying to defend the opposition player. Their people are trying to defend him.”
On Kamara’s state of mind, he added: “Devastated would be an understatement. This is a cool, calm kid and it’s not him to accuse someone of anything. It’s not him.”
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RANGERS are OUT of the Europa League after defeat to Slavia Prague at Ibrox. The Light Blues headed into the clash with a slight advantage after a 1-1 draw in the Czech Republic last week.
Slavia Prague knock Rangers out of the Europa LeagueCredit: AFP
But the visitors cancelled out that crucial Filip Helander away goal inside 15 minutes thanks to Peter Olayinka’s opener.
Minutes later Ondrej Kolar made a great diving save to deny Ryan Kent at his near post as Rangers searched for an immediate response.

Morelos was inches away from bringing the hosts level just before the interval but his effort just creeped wide of the post.
Kemar Roofe was introduced 10 minutes into the second-half as Rangers went searching for a response.
Stanciu nets a stunning free-kick for the visitors to put the tie out of sightCredit: AFP
But the big money summer signing was handed a straight red card just SIX minutes later after kicking keeper Kolar in the FACE.
TV replays showed that the Rangers star had his eye on the ball and that it was an accidental challenge.

However, he was ultimately sent packing for endangering an opponent with Slavia’s No1 stretchered off and replaced by 18-year-old Matyas Vagner.
Things went from bad to worse for Rangers just eight minutes later when Leon Balogun was sent-off for a second-yellow card.
Kemar Roofe was sent off for this high challenge on KolarCredit: The Sun
And it was double punishment as Nicolae Stanciu stepped up to score an exceptional free-kick from distance to put the tie to bed.
Victory sees Slavia Prague secure their place in Friday’s Europa League last eight draw.

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AARON WAN-BISSAKA could have been forgiven for feeling slightly dismayed heading into this game.Hours earlier Gareth Southgate had named his England squad for the three World Cup qualifiers in March.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka was snubbed by Gareth Southgate – who picked three right-backs in his England squad and named seven others, but not himCredit: AFP
Not only was Wan-Bissaka not in it – he didn’t even get a mention from the Three Lions boss. And SEVEN other right-backs did.
Manchester United fans would have been scratching their heads as the former Crystal Palace man has been excellent this season – defensively at least.
Raheem Sterling would vouch for that after this month’s Manchester derby – so too would Neymar and Kylian Mbappe of PSG.
Known as ‘the Spider’ for his tackling ability, his opponents often find there is no way around him.
But unless he can add some attacking prowess to his game and can become more a wing-back he is likely to stay in the cold as far as England goes.
And despite another solid night in keeping the home side at bay in the San Siro, there was little in his link up with Dan James that caused a problem.
Southgate has an embarrassment of riches in his position.
The Three Lions boss picked three in his squad – yet his decision to leave out Trent Alexander Arnold was the big shock of the day.
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Wan-Bissaka has been excellent for United this season, though has to improve going forwardCredit: PA
He also talked up a couple of youngsters in the Under 21s – Max Aarons and Tariq Lamptey as players he has to keep an eye on.
Southgate said: “There are some areas of the pitch where we have some incredible competition for places
“It’s simply that Reece James and Kieran Tripper have had exceptional seasons really with their clubs. Kyle Walker is in great form with Manchester City.
“There are other players in the league who are also playing well in that position, (Matty) Cash at Aston Villa and (Luke) Ayling at Leeds.
“We have two really good right-backs in the under-21s, so it’s a remarkable position of strength.”
Southgate left Wan-Bissaka out of his latest Three Lions squadCredit: PA
Quite a crowd for Wan-Bissaka to get past then. You could argue he is better defensively than all of those mentioned.
But he does not contribute enough going forward for Southgate’s liking.
He scored in the rout of Southampton and looked lively at Arsenal earlier in the year, but his contributions to United as an attacking force have been few and far between.
Here with United needing a goal, there was little threat coming down the right from United in the first half.
AWB did have a hand in the build up to the crucial goal which sub Paul Pogba converted early in the second half.
And as the home side committed more players to attack in search of an equaliser, Wan-Bissaka and James linked up well on a couple of occasions.
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On one of them, a low cross from the defender late on looked dangerous but was safely gathered by Gianluigi Donnarumma.
But he may have to do a bit more if he is to turn the head of Southgate if he is to get another call-up to add to the one he got in August 2019.
Before playing for England at Under 20 and Under 21 levels, he had previously represented Congo at junior level.
Wan-Bissaka is only 23 – there is still time. But the latest snub might just make him rethink his decision.
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JOSE MOURINHO accused his Spurs flops of showing no respect for themselves as they crashed out of the Europa League.Mislav Orsic’s stunning hat-trick saw the Croatians overturn a 2-0 first-leg defeat.
Tottenham boss Jose Mourinho claimed his side were eliminated by their shocking attitude against a more-motivated Dinamo sideCredit: Getty
Spurs legend Glenn Hoddle labelled their performance ‘diabolical’Credit: Getty
Tottenham boss Mourinho said: “Football is not just about having players that think they have more quality than others. The basics of football goes beyond that. It’s attitude and they beat us on that.
“Before the game I told my players of a bad attitude and it happened.
“I believed the players only realised the game was in risk when they scored the second goal.
“I feel sorry for my team – I belong to that team – did not bring the basics of football but the basics of life, which is to respect our jobs and to give everything.”
Former Tottenham manager and club legend Glenn Hoddle, covering the match as a BT pundit, slammed the display, saying: “Spurs were diabolical.
“Mentally they got it wrong in the game. They did not expect Zagreb to take control, they did not make a response, they went downhill and they should have upped the gears.
“But there was not enough ability on the night to take responsibility, everyone was looking at each other.”
But Mourinho hit back, saying: “I don’t need Mr Hoddle’s words to feel hurt because I feel more than sad.
Jose Mourinho congratulated Dinamo Zagreb on their superior commitment and joined the criticism of his own Tottenham teamCredit: Getty
“I totally respect what somebody connected or not connected with the club says. I think we have to accept it.
“But I don’t need external critics because I feel deeply hurt with what happened with my team.”
Mourinho warned his stars the tie was not over despite their two-goal advantage – but they failed to heed his words.
He said: “If I forget the last 10 minutes of extra time when we did something to try to get a different result to go through, and the opening 90 minutes and the first half of extra time, there were one team who decided to leave everything on the pitch.
“They left everything there, they left sweat, they left energy, they left blood. At the end of the game they even left tears of happiness. They were very humble, very committed, and I have to praise them.
What I feel goes much further than sadness. The players only realised the risk when they scored the second goal and we went to extra time.Jose Mourinho
“On the other side my team – I repeat my team – that didn’t look like they were playing an important match.
“And if any one of them thinks it isn’t an important match, for me it is, for the respect I have of my own career and my own job. Every match is an important match for me.
“I also believe for every Tottenham fan at home every match matters and another attitude is needed.
“To say i feel sad is not enough. What I feel goes much further than sadness.
“I’ve just left a Dinamo dressing room where I went to praise the guys and I feel sorry one team that is not my team won the game based on attitude. I feel more than sad.
“Football is not just about players who think they achieve more quality than others. The basics of footbal go beyond that. The basics of football is the attitude and they beat us on that.
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“Many time I fear my feelings but I don’t blame myself so I always share them.
“So before the game I told the players of the risk of a bad attitude. I told the players at half time, even at 0-0 the risks of the way we were playing. And it happened.
“The players only realised the game was at risk when they scored the second goal and we went to extra time.”
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RANGERS star Kemar Roofe was sent off after leaving Slavia Prague keeper Ondrej Kolar bloodied with a flying high boot to the face.The Light Blues striker was brought on to replace Scott Arfield in the 55th minute at Ibrox – but saw red just six minutes later after an ugly mid-air collision.
Kemar Roofe was sent off after kicking Slavia Prague keeper Ondrej Kolar in the faceCredit: PA
The challenge was purely accidental but Roofe saw red for endangering an opponentCredit: EPA
Kolar had to leave the pitch on a stretcher and with a makeshift bandage on his foreheadCredit: Reuters
Images later emerged of Kolar with a huge gash on his forehead and a nasty wound under his eye
Replays showed that the Rangers star had his eye on the ball and that it was a purely accidental challenge.
However, Roofe was ultimately sent off for endangering an opponent – and Kolar being carried off on a stretcher with a bandaged forehead.
Images later emerged showing the keeper had sustained a nasty gash about three inches long on his forehead, as well as another wound under his eye.
Thankfully, he returned to the Slavia dugout with bandages on his face to watch the rest of the match – a 2-0 win that sent Rangers crashing out – alongside his team-mates.
Slavia were forced to replace the goalie with 18-year-old keeper Matyas Vagner.
Speaking on the BBC’s Sportsound show, ex-Rangers player Charlie Adam said of the challenge: “That is indefensible.
“If Roofe goes with his head, he’s got more chance of the goalkeeper taking him out and winning a penalty.”
Rangers hero Peter Lovenkrands added: “Roofe can easily kick that ball and bring his foot down.
“To me, I think he can get his foot out of the way of the goalkeepers head. It’s a definite red card.”
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Blood can be seen coming from the gash on Kolar’s foreheadCredit: AFP
Thankfully the keeper was able to watch the end of the match from the dugout with bandages covering his wounds

In a very bad night for Steven Gerrard’s side, Roofe wasn’t the only Rangers player who was sent off.
Leon Balogun eventually followed the striker after being shown a second yellow card.
The result was even worse, with the Light Blues crashing out of the Europa League after a 2-0 defeat.
Peter Olayinka gave the visitors the lead on the night – and on aggregate – after just 14 minutes.
Nicolae Stanciu later sealed the victory with a superb strike from a free kick in the second half.
It means that Rangers’ Europa League campaign has ended at the Last 16 stage for the second successive season.
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