Slavia Prague defender Ondrej Kudela has been banned for 10 games for “racist behavior” in last month’s Europa League last-16 tie against Scottish side Rangers, UEFA said Wednesday.
Rangers midfielder Glen Kamara accused Kudela of racist abuse after the defender leaned over his ear and said something over his mouth, sparking riots on the pitch and clashes in the final round of the Europa League last 16.
Kudela’s ban also ruled him out for representative team competition matches, meaning he will miss the match for the Czech Republic at this year’s European Championships.
Kamara has been suspended for three matches of UEFA club competition following an investigation into the incident by the UEFA Ethics and Discipline Inspector.
Finland international Kamara was furious after Slavia’s Kudela leaned over his ear and said something while covering his mouth, sparking uproar in the final stages of matches in Europe’s second tier club competition.
Kudela said in a Slavic statement that he swore at the Rangers player after being fouled, but denied using racist language. His club also alleged that Kudela was attacked by Kamara after the match and had officially complained to the Scottish police.
UEFA said in a statement that Kudela’s ban included a one-match temporary suspension awarded by the player during the first leg of Slavia’s Europa League quarter-final against Arsenal this month.
Rangers’ Kemar Roofe, who was also the target of racial abuse on social media after being shown a red card for a high boot challenge on Slavia goalkeeper Ondrej Kolar, was banned for four games.
Rangers, who were eliminated from the Europa League following a 3-1 aggregate defeat after two players were sent off, were fined 9,000 euros ($ 10,763) for improper behavior.