With a last minute u-turn, Slavia Prague’s Ondrej Kudela travelled with the Czech Republic squad to face Wales in Cardiff, this evening.
Due to apparent ‘safety’ concerns, it appeared that the player would not travel to the UK.
However, the Czech national side have confirmed that he is ‘prepared for the match’ with his teammates.
West Ham’s Vlaidimir Coufal spoke to Sky Sports News ahead of the game, stating:
“Of course, everyone from the Czech team stands by Ondrej and everyone is glad that he is here.”
“He is an important part of our squad. Other things that happened, I can’t comment on.”
“I think Ondrej is happy he could be here. He is a big professional and for him, it’s no problem.”
ℹ️ Press conference in Cardiff before the #WCQ against Wales.
⏺️ Ondřej Kúdela travelled with the squad and is prepared for the match.
⏺️ Tomáš Malinský didn't travel to Wales.
⏺️ All players from Bundesliga joined the team.
⏺️ The whole squad had a negative COVID-19 test. pic.twitter.com/cw9pytbCbR— Czech Football National Team (@ceskarepre_eng) March 29, 2021
What next from Glen Kamara’s lawyer and the police response?
Following the incident at Ibrox, when Kamara was adamant that he had been racially abused by Kudela, Aamer Anwar, the lawyer acting on behalf of the Rangers man stated that the Slavia player would face police questioning if and when he returned to the United Kingdom.
@policescotland confirms they are investigating allegations of racial abuse by Slavia Prague’s Kudela against @GlenKamara4 of @RangersFC – If Kudela returns to the UK on the 8th April to play @Arsenal, the police will require to speak to him pic.twitter.com/Gr76B9Nz4q
— Aamer Anwar✊🏾🏳️🌈#BlackLivesMatter (@AamerAnwar) March 24, 2021
That has happened this week and Kudela is due to travel to London next month when Slavia face Arsenal in the Europa League quarter-finals.
A response should be due – to Glen Kamara, first and foremost.
From his perspective, he is saying no more following the statement that was issued – where he laid out the graphic abuse that he heard.
With the Wales v Czech Republic game taking place this evening, the travelling party won’t be hanging around for too long.
A comment from the police or indeed from Anwar should be expected very soon.
It’s not just @UEFA that should be called out for their abject failure in tackling racism, but the shameful & cowardly silence of @ScottishFA on the racial abuse of @GlenKamara4 of @RangersFC speaks volumes pic.twitter.com/w9sb5L3UsA
— Aamer Anwar✊🏾🏳️🌈#BlackLivesMatter (@AamerAnwar) March 20, 2021
Graeme Hanna
@graeme818