Steven Gerrard believes his Rangers will not think of last year’s events when his side play Sparta Prague in the Europa League.
The Glasgow club were involved in a racial incident last year when Glen Kamara suffered racist abuse in a match against Sparta’s rivals Slavia Prague. The game comes six months after the incident.
Steven Gerrard: ‘No Apprehension’ Ahead of Trip to Sparta Prague
‘It Will be Fine’, Claims Steven Gerrard
The former Liverpool captain leads Rangers into the game this Thursday with a 2-0 loss at the hands of Lyon on matchday one.
Speaking to Rangers tv on their YouTube channel if it could happen again ahead of their trip to face Slavia’s rivals Sparta Prague, Gerrard replied: “No, I have spoken to the majority of my players in the last couple of days and we spoke about the game.
“Glen (Kamara) and Kemar (Roofe), who were affected by the last game, are in a good place and looking forward to it. Both want to come and put a performance in for the team.
“There is no apprehension as far as I am concerned. I have been assured that everything is going to be fine.
“Everyone involved in the game, we are always looking for improvements. We are always looking for the powers that be to step forward and show leadership.”
Gerrard believes improvements have been made, but so much more has to be done.
“We know that it is not totally out of the game or eradicated, there is still more work and education to be put in place.
“In my position, you can only talk and say certain things and push and support. It is for people who are in higher places than me that can only make the difference and the change.”
What Happened Last Year With Glen Kamara
Kamara claimed he was racially abused by Ondřej Kudela late in the match, sparking a row that continued into the tunnel.
Kudela then missed last summer’s European Championship after UEFA rejected his appeal. He was handed a ten-game ban for racially abusing the Rangers midfielder.
Kamara received a three-match suspension for assaulting Kudela at full time.
Rangers Injury Boost
The Gers will be without several likely starters with Filip Helander, Ryan Jack and Ryan Kent all sidelined, but the Daily Record reports that their opponents’ injury list is much longer.
According to the report, Sparta could be without as many as eight first-team players. Czech Republic international winger Ladislav Krejci and midfielder Filip Souček miss out.
Lukas Julis also joins the pair. He scored 17 goals last season including five in two Europa League appearances against Celtic.
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