The only fans in attendance were under 14-years-old
Rangers man Glen Kamara was subjected to boos from Sparta Prague fans before being sent off as Steven Gerrard’s men lost 1-0 in the Europa League.
The midfielder was racially abused when the Gers played against Sparta’s local rivals Slavia Prague in the same competition last season, with Slavia player Ondrej Kudela being found guilty of racially abusing Kamara in the last-16 fixture.
Prior to kick-off on Thursday (30 September), all of the Rangers players took a knee, whereas the home side all chose to stand around the centre circle.
The tie was meant to be played behind closed doors after a set of Sparta Prague supporters aimed monkey chants at Monaco player Aurelien Tchouameni during a Champions League qualifier last month.
However, the ban set by UEFA was relaxed and children were allowed to attend the clash against Rangers.
Despite the only fans in attendance being ‘children’, Kamara was reportedly booed by the fans in attendance every time that he touched the ball.
Jordan Campbell, Rangers & Scottish football correspondent for The Athletic, tweeted during the first half: “Sparta Prague fans racially abused Monaco’s Aurelien Tchouameni so faced a stadium closure tonight vs Rangers.
“The only exception is that 10,000 local kids under 14 years are in but Glen Kamara, racially abused by Slavia’s Ondrej Kudela, is now being booed with every touch.”
Sparta Prague fans racially abused Monaco's Aurelien Tchouameni so faced a stadium closure tonight vs Rangers.
The only exception is that 10,000 local kids under 14 years are in but Glen Kamara, racially abused by Slavia’s Ondrej Kudela, is now being booed with every touch.
— Jordan Campbell (@JordanC1107) September 30, 2021
After receiving a yellow card in the 42nd minute, the 25-year-old was again booed by a section of the home fans.
Kamara was then given a second yellow in the second period after he was adjudged to have fouled Michal Sacek when he went up to win a header.
Gerrard’s side – who were without defender Connor Goldson – lost the tie 1-0 after Sparta’s David Hancko scored the game’s only goal in the 29th minute.
Despite suffering their second loss in Group A, the scoreline arguably doesn’t paint the full picture of what was an incredibly disappointing night for the Scottish outfit.
The home side could’ve easily had more than the one goal, especially considering that Lukas Haraslin missed an open net.
Rangers’ next Europa League tie is against Brøndby IF on October 21, knowing that anything but a win will probably signal the end to their hopes of qualifying.
Related links:
- West Brom fan who racially abused Romaine Sawyers sentenced to eight weeks in prison
- Slavia Prague player given 10 match ban for racially abusing Rangers’ Glen Kamara
- Rangers refuse to wear badge of Scottish Premiership on sleeve
