We denounce any form of racism
We believe that all people must be free and equal with their rights and dignity. Slavia strictly abides by the policy against racism display as put down by the organization FARE Football Against Racism Policy in Europe.
We are a club where all enjoy fair chance regardless of their race, colour, religion or beliefs. We build on the fair play ideal that has been an inherent part of the club since its establishment. The modern Slavia is a fully multicultural team and even our hardcore fans wear jerseys of all players without exceptions.
The second leg of the Round of 16 of the Europa League between Slavia and Rangers FC was supposed to be a celebration of football as such. Our players faced excessively heavy-handed behaviour instead. Rangers FC injured Slavia goalkeeper Ondřej Kolář with a reckless tackle and other players were lucky not to be injured. Anyone who watched the game has surely formed their own opinion.
Ondřej Kúdela is one of the team captains elected in secret polls by the players who choose characters that enjoy their trust. He is a decent and modest person with a strong moral integrity, popular amongst the players and fans, a football gentleman. He categorically denies and refutes any allegations of racism.
We are shocked that his reputation and the club’s reputation are being smeared without a single piece of evidence. The only “alleged” evidence is the player covering his mouth – which Ondřej does on a regular basis when he talks to his teammates during our games.
Under the patronage and in the presence of the UEFA delegation, the coaches of both teams, Ondřej Kúdela and Glen Kamara met. After the arrival of Slavia representatives, Ondřej was physically abused by the player of Rangers FC who then fled into the locker rooms followed by the manager Steven Gerrard without a single word of apology. The incident is thoroughly described in the match protocol and Slavia will consider filing a criminal complaint after their return to the Czech Republic.
The movement of Slavia players and management was unprecedentedly restricted after the game. The players and staff were protected by the Czech Embassy in London and local police. We would like to express our gratitude for their professionalism.
We have felt a great respect to Rangers FC for their recent football performance and glorious history. However, we wish for a UEFA investigation into all incidents related to the recent match and will fully cooperate.
