Rangers and Celtic did not kneel before the Old Firm derby on Sunday, following allegations of racism against midfielder Glen Kamara during Thursday’s Europa League defeat against Slavia Prague.
UEFA said on Friday it was investigating incidents in the Rangers’ clash with Slavia Prague after Kamara complained that he had been racially abused by a visiting player.
Rangers boss Steven Gerrard confirmed his position in a preliminary interview.
“We will not get on our knees,” he said. “I spoke to both of my captains [on Saturday] and they have made a collective decision that they will sit and stand side by side and we will support this and we will follow suit as a staff.
“I was not aware of the chat that the players had with each other, but [James Tavernier and Connor Goldson] they came to see me [on Saturday] and I totally understand the decision they made and I fully support it 100% and we will do the same as a staff to show them support. “
Celtic interim manager John Kennedy added: “We’ve talked to Rangers and we’ve agreed we won’t. He’s probably lost his impact, so hopefully we’ll send a much stronger message if we stay together. .
“Racism and any kind of hatred in society, but also in football are shameful. We want to offer any support we can.”
On Saturday, Dundee United and Motherwell also opted against the knee. Motherwell said it had become an “empty gesture” in the fight against racism.
Kamara was furious after Slavia Prague center-back Ondrej Kudela leaned into his ear and said something as he covered his mouth, causing a melee in the final stages of the tie in the round of 16.
Slavia Prague denied the allegations and said in a statement that Kudela was assaulted by Kamara after the match. The defender said his remarks to the Finnish midfielder, who is black, was not racist.