Hackett backs calls for Slavia to be kicked out of Europa League after Rangers allegations
We’re delighted to welcome former Premier League referee Keith Hackett as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Rangers
Slavia Prague should be kicked out of the Europa League as a minimum if Ondrej Kudela is found guilty of racially abusing Rangers’ Glen Kamara.
That’s according to former Premier League referee Keith Hackett who gave us some insight into what might happen next in this developing story.
There have been calls for Slavia to be kicked out of the Europa League if their player is found guilty of racism.
Calls grew stronger after the club released a statement defending their player and making extraordinary allegations against Kamara and his teammates.
When he asked if kicking Slavia out of the Europa League could an appropriate measure, Hackett exclusively told Ibrox News, “Yes, I think that’s the minimum.
“I genuinely think that’s the minimum punishment. Ultimately, the club is responsible for its players and its player’s actions.
“For me, there has to be an ultimate sanction. There’s got to be an appropriate message. It might seem tough but for me, that’s the answer.”
UEFA could send a really strong message by kicking Slavia out of the Europa League.
That is, of course, if they find Kudela guilty of racial abuse which we know will be hard to prove as Kudela had the foresight to cover his mouth when he spoke to Kamara.
What that would mean for Rangers, we don’t know.
We were well beaten over the two legs and reinstating us to the last eight maybe wouldn’t be the right move.
The emphasis on any potential punishment should be to punish Slavia, not to reward Rangers so if they were kicked out of the competition it may see Arsenal given a bye to the semi-finals.
Whatever happens, we just hope UEFA reach the right outcome when they investigate the matter as racism cannot go unpunished.
In other Rangers news, our resident Gers expert has given his thoughts on Bongani Zungu’s role in the case of Kamara and Kudela.