STEVEN GERRARD has called for ‘more extreme’ punishments to tackle racism in football after Glen Kamara was targeted during Rangers’ defeat to Sparta Prague.
The Europa League fixture was played in front of a crowd of 10,000 children after Prague were punished by UEFA for racist abuse against Monaco earlier this term.
Gerrard insisted before the Group A tie that he had ‘no apprehension’ about the trip following the abuse that Kamara received during and after the last 16 clash with Slavia Prague last season.
But the Finnish international appeared to be repeatedly targeted by the home support as a series of boos and jeers were directed towards him on a night that ended prematurely as he was sent off during the 1-0 defeat at the Stadion Letna.
Gerrard was made aware of the allegations in the aftermath of the Europa League showdown and will continue to call for stern action to be taken in an attempt to drive racism out of football.
Gerrard said: “To be honest with you I’ve just been asked the question. During the game I haven’t been aware, I’ve just been focussed on the game and the tactical changes I was trying to think about to try to get us back in the game as we were trailing.
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“If they’re facts and that is the truth and the case then I’m extremely disappointed - but not surprised.
“What I’m saying is we need the facts. We need confirmation if that’s the truth or not the truth before I comment.
“But if that’s the case and they were targeting Glen it’s extremely disappointing because the reason there’s a lot of kids in the stadium is because of previous similar incidents. So of course it’s extremely disappointing if the fact is that was the case.
“There needs to be more done. Not just myself but everyone across the world is asking for more and bigger, better and more extreme punishments in terms of racism. It needs to be eradicated.
“But until the powers that be do more and treat it more seriously - until that happens - we’re going to be dealing with these questions for a long time.”
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