Rangers and Celtic did not take a knee before the Old Firm derby on Sunday, after allegations of racism against midfielder Glen Kamara during the Europa League defeat on Thursday against Slavia Prague.
UEFA said on Friday it was investigating the incidents in Rangers’ clash with Slavia Prague after Kamara complained that he had been racistly abused by a visiting player.
Rangers boss Steven Gerrard confirmed their position in a preliminary interview.
“We will not take the knee,” he said. ‘I spoke to both my captains [on Saturday] and they made a joint decision that they would stand and that they would stand side by side, and we would support that and also follow as staff.
‘I was not aware of the conversation the players had with each other [James Tavernier and Connor Goldson] came to see me [on Saturday] and I fully understand the decision they made, and I totally support it 100% and we will do the same as staff to show them. “
John Kennedy, Celtic’s interim manager, added: “We spoke to Rangers and agreed that we will not do it. It has probably lost its impact, so we will hopefully send out a much stronger message if we stand together.
“Racism and any kind of hatred in society, but also in football, is shameful. We want to give any support we can.”
Dundee United and Motherwell also chose not to take a knee on Saturday. Motherwell said it had become an ’empty gesture’ in the fight against racism.
Kamara was furious after Ondrej Kudela, center of the Slavia Prague, leaned in his ear and said something while shutting his mouth, and was tied in the final phase of their round of 16s.
Slavia Prague denies the allegations and says in a statement that Kudela was assaulted by Kamara after the match. The defender said his remarks to the Finnish midfielder, who is black, were not racist.