Rangers and Celtic didn’t get the hang of it for the Old Firm derby on Sunday, following accusations of racism against midfielder Glen Kamara in Thursday’s Europa League defeat to Slavia Prague.
UEFA said Friday it was investigating incidents in the clash between Rangers and Slavia Prague after Kamara complained of racist abuse by a visiting player.
Rangers boss Steven Gerrard confirmed their position in a prematch interview.
“We’re not taking the knee,” he said. ‘I spoke to both of my captains [on Saturday] and they have made a collective decision that they will stand and they will stand side by side and we will support that and follow as staff too.
“I was not aware of the chat the players have had among themselves, however [James Tavernier and Connor Goldson] have come to see me [on Saturday] and I fully understand the decision they have made and I am 100% behind it and we will do the same as a staff to show their support. “
Celtic interim manager John Kennedy added, “We spoke with Rangers and agreed we won’t do it. It’s probably lost its impact, so hopefully we’ll be sending a much stronger message as we work together.
“Racism and any form of hatred in society as well as in football is a shame. We want to give all possible support.”
On Saturday, Dundee United and Motherwell also chose not to take a knee. Motherwell said it had become an “empty gesture” in the fight against racism.
Kamara was furious after Slavia Prague’s central defender Ondrej Kudela leaned into his ear and said something while covering his mouth, leading to a fight in the final stages of their round of 16 draw.
Slavia Prague denied the charges, saying in a statement that Kudela had been attacked by Kamara after the match. The defender said his comments to the Finnish midfielder, who is black, were not racist.