Scottish Premiership

POLICE have arrested and charged a teenager in connection with the alleged racial abuse of Rangers striker Alfredo Morelos.SunSport exclusively revealed how the Rangers ace had been targeted by an individual in a video circulated on social media during the derby clash with Celtic.
Rangers star Alfredo MorelosCredit: Getty
The 24-year-old breaks his Old Firm duckCredit: Getty
The Gers forward scored his first goal against the Hoops in Sunday’s 1-1 draw after four seasons of playing in Scottish football.
The Colombian, 24, netted at the back stick following a knockdown from Leon Balogun midway through the first half.
However, his goal was marred by a clip shared on social media platform Snapchat, in which a male allegedly directed racist language towards Morelos.
Police launched an investigation into the offensive video following a series of complaints.
Now, cops have confirmed that a boy, aged 17, has been arrested and charge in connection with the incident.
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “We’ve arrested and charged a 17-year-old male youth in connection with an offensive social media post during the Celtic v Rangers SPFL match yesterday.”
It is understood Rangers are aware of the footage, as they called on social media companies to help stamp out the abuse being aimed at their stars. 
An Ibrox source said: “Our captain highlighted the ongoing targeting of footballers online.
“Now is the time for social media companies to act and eradicate people making offensive comments like this.”
It comes just days after complaints of racism from Slavia Prague defender Ondrej Kudela towards Light Blues midfielder Glen Kamara.
Kamara released a statement to say he was called ‘a f***ing monkey’ by Slavia Prague’s Kudela during Thursday night’s Europa League tie at Ibrox, a version of events which was backed up by his team-mate Bongani Zungu.

Kudela denied the allegations – claiming he said “you f***ing guy” when he was spotted covering his mouth and whispering something in Kamara’s ear.
The Czech player also claimed he was punched by Kamara in the tunnel after the game.
Celtic and Rangers stars made a powerful anti-racism message stand by REFUSING to take a knee before yesterday’s Old Firm match.
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RANGERS ace Alfredo Morelos was targeted by a vile racist following Sunday’s Old Firm derby.The Colombian forward, 24, scored his first goal against Celtic after four seasons of playing in Scottish football.
Rangers star Alfredo Morelos was racially abused after he scored the equaliser in the Old Firm derby against CelticCredit: PA
The sick individual repeatedly aimed racial slurs at Morelos
Morelos netted at the back post following a knockdown from Leon Balogun midway through the first half.
The striker’s goal levelled the proceedings after Mohamed Elyounoussi headed the home side into an early lead in the game, which finished 1-1 in Glasgow’s east end.
However, in a sick video posted on social media, Morelos became the latest victim of yet another disgusting case of racial abuse.
The short clip, initially posted on Snapchat, showed the man filming himself directing a torrent of racial slurs towards the Rangers hero – including calling him a ‘monkey’.
The individual repeatedly used the discriminatory language while watching Morelos celebrate breaking his Old Firm duck.
The clip sickeningly included an emoji of a monkey on the screen.
And Police Scotland later confirmed they had launched an investigation into the matter.
A spokesperson said: “An investigation is underway after Police Scotland received a number of complaints regarding an offensive social media post. Our enquiries are ongoing.”
The striker nodded home from close range in the 1-1 drawCredit: Getty

It is understood Rangers are aware of the footage, as they called for social media companies to help stamp out the abuse being aimed at their stars. 
An Ibrox source told SunSport: “Our captain highlighted the ongoing targeting of footballers online.
“Now is the time for social media companies to act and eradicate faceless cowards making offensive comments like this.”
Celtic and Show Racism The Red Card have also been contacted for comment.
It comes just days after complaints of racism from Slavia Prague defender Ondrej Kudela towards Rangers midfielder Glen Kamara.
Kamara released a statement to say he was called ‘a f***ing monkey’ by Slavia Prague’s Kudela during Thursday night’s Europa League tie at Ibrox.
His version of events were backed up by his team-mate Bongani Zungu.
Kudela denied the allegations – claiming he said ‘you f***ing guy’ when he was spotted covering his mouth and whispering something in Kamara’s ear.
The Czech player also claimed he was punched by Kamara in the tunnel after the game.
Celtic and Rangers players refused to take a knee before the Old Firm derby in a powerful anti-racism stanceCredit: The Sun
Celtic and Rangers stars shared a powerful anti-racism message stand by REFUSING to take a knee before the Old Firm match.
We told you how the Ibrox stars were considering ditching the gesture over fears over how Uefa would deal with complaints of racism from Slavia Prague defender Ondrej Kudela towards midfielder Glen Kamara.
Ahead of the game, Rangers boss Steven Gerrard confirmed: “We won’t take the knee.
“I spoke to both of my captains yesterday and they’ve made the collective decision that they are going to stand and stand together side by side.
“We will support that and follow suit as a staff as well.”
On the decision Gerrard added: “I wasn’t aware of the chat that the players have had amongst themselves but James [Tavernier] and Connor [Goldson] came to see me yesterday.
“I totally understand the decision they have made and totally back it 100 per cent.
“And we will do the same as staff to show them the support.”
His opposite number John Kennedy added: “We’ll be the same. It is important everyone comes together.
“This is bigger than football, but football has a chance to send out a strong message. So we will do the same as them.”
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CELTIC skipper Scott Brown went out of his way to show his solidarity to Rangers rival Glen Kamara before today’s Old Firm kick-off. Pre-match footage of the incident showed the Hoops captain walking into the Rangers half during the pre-match warm-up.
Scott Brown greets Glen Kamara while the teams warm up
The pair shook hands and hugged in a brilliant moment of respect.
It was a nice touch as these two Glasgow giants prepared to do battle on the Old Firm stage.
And Brown said afterwards that it it was important for him to show solidarity.
Brown told Sky Sports: “Definitely, I think it is disgusting what has happened to be perfectly honest.
“It doesn’t matter whether it is a Rangers player or a Celtic player, or whoever it is throughout.
“It should never be part of the game, it just shows that we stand with them and is that little bit of respect as a fellow professional.”
The gesture came as both sets of players stood up and refused to take a knee before kick-off.
Glen Kamara released a statement to say he was called ‘a f***ing monkey’ by Slavia Prague’s Ondrej Kudela during Thursday night’s Europa League tie at Ibrox, a version of events which was backed up by his team-mate Bongani Zungu.

Kudela denied the allegations – claiming he said “you f***ing guy” when he was spotted covering his mouth and whispering something in Kamara’s ear.
He also claimed he was punched by Kamara in the tunnel after the game.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Gerrard said: “We won’t take the knee.
“I spoke to both of my captains yesterday and they’ve made the collective decision that they are going to stand and stand together side by side.
“We will support that and follow suit as a staff as well.”

On the decision he added: “I wasn’t aware of the chat that the players have had amongst themselves but James [Tavernier] and Connor [Goldson] came to see me yesterday.
“I totally understand the decision they have made and totally back it 100 per cent.
“And we will do the same as staff to show them the support.”
And his opposite number John Kennedy told the broadcaster: “We’ll be the same. It is important everyone comes together.
“This is bigger than football, but football has a chance to send out a strong message. So we will do the same as them.”
Watch emotional moment Rangers boss Gerrard hugs Kamara after Slavia Prague racism storm More

CELTIC and Rangers stars made a powerful anti-racism message stand by REFUSING to take a knee before today’s Old Firm match. SunSport revealed the Ibrox stars were considering ditching the gesture after the midweek incident involving Glen Kamara.
Celtic and Rangers players stood before their game today in a powerful anti-racism messageCredit: The Sun
Both dugouts also stood in solidarity before the Old Firm clashCredit: Rex
🟩🟦United against discriminationCeltic & Rangers players both stand in solidarity against racism before the match at Parkhead 🤝📺Watch the Old Firm from home – live on Sky Sports pic.twitter.com/kCDIKdeOdF— Sky Sports Scotland (@ScotlandSky) March 21, 2021

And the Glasgow rivals lined up in solidarity before refusing to take a knee before kick-off.
Rangers feared how Uefa would deal with complaints of racism from Slavia Prague defender Ondrej Kudela towards midfielder Glen Kamara.
Kamara released a statement to say he was called ‘a f***ing monkey’ by Slavia Prague’s Ondrej Kudela during Thursday night’s Europa League tie at Ibrox, a version of events which was backed up by his team-mate Bongani Zungu.
Kudela denied the allegations – claiming he said “you f***ing guy” when he was spotted covering his mouth and whispering something in Kamara’s ear.
He also claimed he was punched by Kamara in the tunnel after the game.
But the Ibrox side are demanding action from UEFA and there were debates amongst the squad as to whether the pre-match gesture sends out a strong-enough message.
Sick images posted by Slavia Prague ultras on Friday evening showed them holding a banner which contained a racial slur towards Kamara.
Kemar Roofe also shared messages which showed he was the victim of racist abuse on Instagram.
⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
Glen Kamara was involved in an incident during the clash with Slavia Prague on ThursdayCredit: Getty
Scott Brown puts rivalry aside and consoles Glen Kamara after he was racially abused while playing against Slavia Prague on Thursday 👏 pic.twitter.com/ODoGAt1mLb— The Sun Football ⚽ (@TheSunFootball) March 21, 2021

Ahead of their respective games against Aberdeen and Kilmarnock, both the Tangerines and Steelmen stood rather than took a knee.
And now both halves of the Old Firm have done likewise, with respective managers Steven Gerrard and John Kennedy revealing why they were taking the action.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Gerrard said: “We won’t take the knee.
“I spoke to both of my captains yesterday and they’ve made the collective decision that they are going to stand and stand together side by side.
“We will support that and follow suit as a staff as well.”
On the decision he added: “I wasn’t aware of the chat that the players have had amongst themselves but James [Tavernier] and Connor [Goldson] came to see me yesterday.
“I totally understand the decision they have made and totally back it 100 per cent.
“And we will do the same as staff to show them the support.”
And his opposite number John Kennedy told the broadcaster: “We’ll be the same. It is important everyone comes together.

“This is bigger than football, but football has a chance to send out a strong message. So we will do the same as them.”
After kick-off yesterday Dundee United tweeted: “We stand today with Glen Kamara, and others who suffer at the hands of racism.
“Today’s decision to stand rather than take the knee is a show of solidarity by our players to enhance the message that racism in any form is unacceptable and has no place anywhere in society.”
Motherwell also tweeted: “Enough is enough. Our players will no longer take the knee.”
Watch emotional moment Rangers boss Gerrard hugs Kamara after Slavia Prague racism storm More

SLAVIA PRAGUE have condemned a small group of their own supporters who racially abused Rangers star Glen Kamara.A picture was posted on Instagram of 11 fans holding flares and holding a banner that read: “Kamara – just a n*****.’
Slavia Prague have condemned a small group of fans who have racially abused Glen Kamara
The Rangers star was involved in an ugly confrontation with Ondrej Kudela on Thursday – accusing the Slavia player of calling him ‘a f***ing monkey’
The Czech club say they have filed a criminal complaint against the ‘alleged fans’ while saying they ‘have been fighting against racism for a long time’.
It comes after Thursday’s flashpoint between the two sides when Ondrej Kudela is alleged to have racially abused Kamara at Ibrox.
The Gers midfielder released a statement through his lawyer last night in which he revealed the Czech defender called him “a f***ing monkey.”
Slavia and the player refute the allegations and say he called the Finnish international “a f***ing guy.”
The Czechs have moved to distance themselves from the picture and label it “an unprecedented backstabbing of the club and its ideals.”
The Slavia statement read: “The club is absolutely disgusted by the racist photograph published online by a group of alleged ‘fans’ on Friday night.
“SK Slavia Praha files criminal complaint against unknown individuals involved in the preparation and publishing of the picture.
“We condemn this act as totally unacceptable, and we distance ourselves from it. It is an unprecedented backstabbing of the club and its ideals.
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Gers boss Steven Gerrard consoles Kamara after he was allegedly racially abusedCredit: The Sun

“The club will launch its own inquiry into this matter in order to identify those individuals.
“Racism has no room in our club, and we have been fighting against it for a long time.
“Every player is considered a member of our family, no matter what the colour of their skin, their nationality, cultural background, or religion is.
“We maximally support our players in their current fight against racism and against the abovementioned picture on the social media.
“Slavia has great fans who many times managed to amaze the football world in a positive way. We ask them to join us, and publicly sign up to zero tolerance of racism and condemn such behaviour.
“Let’s present the real, cultivated, and noble Slavia we are all proud of.”
⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
Watch emotional moment Rangers boss Gerrard hugs Kamara after Slavia Prague racism storm More

CELTIC-mad Sir Rod Stewart is ‘embarrassed’ by the club’s decision not to give Rangers a guard of honour tomorrow – calling it ‘childish.’The rock and pop legend was reacting to caretaker manager John Kennedy’s words that the Hoops would not clap Steven Gerrard’s men onto the pitch.
Celtic super-fan Rod Stewart said he was ’embarrassed’ by the club’s decision
Neil Lennon said in 2019 that his side would have given Rangers a guard of honour in 2019 if they had won the title, after the Ibrox side refused to do the same that season.
Gerrard’s men travel to their great rivals on Sunday as league winners for the first time in a decade.
Stewart was in agreement with former Celts’ boss Brendan Rodgers who advised his old team to ‘show humility’ and give Rangers that welcome.
The celebrity fan also thought he may be ‘old-fashioned’ in his views but told the Hoops to ‘grow up’ as ‘life is too short’.
And the 76-year-old revealed he was ‘appalled’ to hear his club would ‘go low’ like this and even quoted former First Lady Michelle Obama in his views.
He told the Daily Record: Today l learn that team I love will not be giving Rangers a guard of honour on Sunday.
“I’m appalled, why can’t we show dignity and sportsmanship or am I old fashioned?
“I agree with Brendan Rodgers: show class. Or, as Michelle Obama once said, ‘when they go low we go high’.
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Steven Gerrard has led Rangers to their first league title in a decadeCredit: PA
“Rangers were excellent this season and deserved the title, well done Steve and your team.
“And last but not least, what does this say to our children? My boys will be watching Sunday in their green and white and I’ll be a little embarrassed to explain it all.
“Please grow up everyone, life is too short for this childish behaviour.
“But then again maybe I’m old-fashioned.”

Lennon hit out at the Gers decision at the time, insisting Celtic would have done it if roles were reversed.
Speaking in 2019, he said: “It’s a break from tradition. I think we would have done it if the shoe had been on the other foot. But it’s not a major issue.
“It would have been a touch of class if they did it.
“I’m disappointed they are not. Celtic would have done it.”
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SLAVIA PRAGUE ultras have displayed a vile racist banner targeted at Glen Kamara and sent an image of it to him on Instagram.The Rangers star alleged he was subjected to racist abuse by Ondrej Kudela during Thursday’s Europa League clash with the Czech side.
Slavia Prague ultras displayed the vile racist banner targeting Rangers star Glen Kamara
And he revealed what the defender whispered in his ear in a statement earlier this evening as he blasted his behaviour.
Now though, in a sickening image posted on Instagram, Slavia Prague ultras have displayed a vile racist banner targeting Kamara.
The message on it reads “Kamara – just a ******”.
The account that posted the image – one that seemingly represents Czech football hooligans – then tagged the Rangers midfielder in the caption.
While in another image posted on the same account this evening, the Slavia Prague ultras can be seen holding a banner which reads: “Slavia Praha against all #TeamKudela.”
Both pictures – with a shockingly uncensored version of the racist banner – were also shared on social media platform Telegram.
Rangers boss Steven Gerrard insisted that he and the club backed Kamara completely.
However, both Slavia Prague and Kudela have denied the allegations of racism against him.
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Rangers star Glen Kamara reacts furiously to Slavia Prague’s Ondrej KudelaCredit: EPA
Slavia Prague ultras claimed to be ‘Team Kudela’ on another banner
And in a statement earlier this evening, the Czech club claimed to have filed a complaint to police over Kamara’s alleged assault of Kudela in the tunnel.
However, Police Scotland confirmed they have yet to receive a complaint from either Slavia Prague or Rangers.
A spokesperson said: “No reports of criminality have been made by either club in connection with last night’s match.
“Police Scotland has contacted club officials and assured them that should any allegation be received it will be investigated thoroughly.”
In his own statement this evening, Kamara called on Uefa to show a zero-tolerance approach to racism.
He said: “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.
“The vile racist abuse by Ondrej Kudela, took place on the international stage, and any failure to act by UEFA will be viewed as a greenlight for racism.
⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

“During yesterday’s match with Slavia Prague, Kudela was arguing with a Rangers player and after I tried to intervene, he told me to shut up and then said ‘one second my friend’.
“He then came over to me covering his mouth, leaning into my ear, he uttered the words – ‘You’re a f****** monkey, you know you are’.
“I was shocked and horrified to hear such racist abuse from a professional football player.”
Uefa have now launched an investigation into the alleged incidents during last night’s game.
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CELTIC will NOT be giving Rangers a guard of honour ahead of Sunday’s Old Firm derby – but the game WILL go ahead despite fears.Hoops interim boss John Kennedy confirmed his side won’t clap the new champions on to the pitch.
Celtic will not give Rangers a guard of honour during Sunday’s Old Firm derbyCredit: Kenny Ramsay – The Sun Glasgow
Rangers will play their first game as the new champions of the PremiershipCredit: Getty
Steven Gerrard’s men will arrive at Parkhead as the new kings of Scottish football, having secured title number 55 last week.
The crunch derby match will be Rangers’ first since they were confirmed as league winners.
But the home side will not welcome their arch city rivals on to the pitch with a guard of honour.
However, the derby has finally been given the go ahead following major fears Scotland’s showpiece fixture would be canned following scenes of blatant lockdown rule breaches last weekend.
On Friday, the Scottish Government gave the game – set to kick off at 12pm at Parkhead on Sunday – the green light.
Gerrard’s side secured No55 after Celtic failed to beat Dundee United last week.
The win sparked massive celebrations for all of a red, white and blue persuasion with the club back to the top of Scottish football for the first time in ten years.
This of course sparked the age-old debate on whether sides should give the league winners a guard of honour to congratulate them on their achievements.
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Gerrard celebrating after his side beat St Mirren to be crowned championsCredit: PA

Rangers did not give Celtic a guard of honour when the teams last met after the league had been settle in 2019.
Neil Lennon hit out at the decision at the time, insisting the Hoops would do so if roles were reversed.
He said: “It’s a break from tradition. I think we would have done it if the shoe had been on the other foot. But it’s not a major issue.
“It would have been a touch of class if they did it.
“I’m disappointed they are not. Celtic would have done it.”
Earlier this week Ex-Celtic gaffer Brendan Rodgers urged his old side to ‘show humility’ by granting Rangers the guard.
The Leicester manager said: “My feeling is always that you should show humility and class and be a sporting team.
“I can never forget when I was at Chelsea as a young coach and in that first season with Jose [Mourinho] they won the title.
“I remember going to Old Trafford to watch the game that evening and I’m sure that the Man Utd players didn’t want to do it [a guard of honour).
“That must have been really, really difficult but it showed you the class of Sir Alex [Ferguson] and showed you the humility of him.
“It was sporting but can also provide you with great motivation going forward.
“It’s something that for me – despite the rivalry, despite how difficult it is – you should do and then use it as motivation.”
Hamilton clapped Celtic onto the pitch earlier this campaign but the Hoops won’t be honouring Rangers this weekendCredit: Reuters
We revealed yesterday how SunSport readers felt Celtic would be right not to grant a guard of honour to the Light Blues.
A recent poll we conducted found that 40 per cent of people believe John Kennedy’s side should take to the pitch as usual.
Over 9,600 votes were cast in the poll as we asked whether the home side should welcome the champions with a guard of honour.
But only 32 per cent of the respondents voted yes.
Around 28 per cent of those who took part believe that it shouldn’t matter either way.
Former Celtic defender Gary Caldwell was also amongst those who felt it would be the right thing for his old club to do by clapping Rangers on the field.
He said: “In my opinion they should.
“I think a lot of supporters will disagree with that, but I think Rangers haven’t done it in the past and I think that shows a lack of class.
“I think Celtic should be bigger than that and have the humility to respect Rangers and what they have achieved this season, and also use that feeling.
“No player wants to do it, but use that feeling for next season and the motivation to win the league title back.
“I think they should show Rangers the respect and do it on Sunday.”
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