Amid claims that one of their players was assaulted in the tunnel, Slavia Prague have been made to look rather foolish following reports from a Police Scotland spokesperson.
In a pitifully weak denial of racism on their part Slavia responded to the row and attack on Glen Kamara with the following:
“Slavia resolutely denies the disgusting accusation of one of the team captains Ondřej Kúdela of racist behaviour.”
The statement went on to include,
“After the end of the game, the team was not allowed to enter the dressing room.”
“Ondřej Kúdela was assaulted by player Kamara and hit with fists in the head when Rangers manager Steven Gerrard witnessed the incident.”
They also commented that “the team is now safe, accompanied by the Scottish police.”
This morning, a report by The Athletic’s Jordan Campbell casts huge doubt over the Czech club’s version of events, as can be seen below.
Statement from Police Scotland spokesperson:
“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."
— Jordan Campbell (@JordanC1107) March 19, 2021
There was a strong Police Scotland presence outside Ibrox from early evening, yesterday.
If this assault on Kudela took place as described, officers could have been right on top of it.
A lot of emphasis now falls on UEFA to get to the bottom of this ugly mess which has overshadowed Slavia’s merited victory on the pitch.
The truth always comes out in the end.