Glasgow Rangers

Rangers midfielder Glen Kamara and other Black players on the team were booed each time they were on the ball by a number of Sparta Prague's youth supporters during the Europa League match between the clubs on Thursday. 

Rangers manager Steven Gerrard told reporters after the game that UEFA needs to address instances of racism more comprehensively and seriously:

During the game I haven't been aware, I've just been focused on the game and the tactical changes I was trying to think about to try and get us back into the game as we were trailing. If they're facts and that's the truth I am extremely disappointed but not surprised. What I’m saying is we need the facts. ... 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 that was the case. There needs to be more done. Not just myself but everyone across the world is asking for more punishment 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.

Because Sparta was being punished for racist chanting during a match against Monaco earlier this season, Thursday's contest was supposed to be held without fans. But 10,000 schoolchildren were granted admission, and reportedly continued Sparta's troubling history of racist fan behavior:

Sparta Prague fans racially abused Monaco's Aurelien Tchouameni so faced a stadium closure tonight vs Rangers.

The only exception is that 10,000 local kids under 14 years are in but Glen Kamara, racially abused by Slavia’s Ondrej Kudela, is now being booed with every touch.

— Jordan Campbell (@JordanC1107) September 30, 2021

I’ve noticed Roofe, Sakala and Aribo also receive it too, yeah. Certainly even more pronounced when it’s Kamara.

— Jordan Campbell (@JordanC1107) September 30, 2021

Glen Kamara is being booed above and beyond any other player tonight against Sparta Prague. In a stadium full of kids. Think about that. Disgusting. #kickitout #Notoracism pic.twitter.com/wcPix9XePq

— Emma Dodds (@Sports_EmmaD) September 30, 2021

https://twitter.com/RichardAmofa/status/1443627778943950851

Can't recall a more wretched sight/sound in European football lately than thousands of Czech children booing Glen Kamara's every touch for Rangers against Sparta Prague. Inside a stadium meant to be closed by UEFA because of fans' racism. Appalling.#NoToRacism #Europe

— Barry Anderson (@BarryAnderson_) September 30, 2021

https://twitter.com/Alan_Burrows/status/1443640745987031040

It is not the only time Kamara has been the victim of racial abuse in the Czech Republic. Slavia Prague's Ondrej Kudela was banned for 10 games by UEFA in April for racially abusing Kamara, after he was seen shouting in the Rangers player's ear. 

"UEFA should have imposed a minimum year-long ban rather than a tokenistic 10 match ban," Kamara’s lawyer, Aamer Anwar, said at the time. "Under the UEFA disciplinary regulations Kudela could have been banned for 'at least ten matches or a specified period of time,' and we firmly believe that UEFA should have made use of the significant discretion available to them, to send a far stronger message that this type of abhorrent conduct will not be tolerated on the football field."

Anwar also condemned Thursday's abuse:

I had hoped when I heard of the stadium closure of Sparta Prague that both Glen and other Black players wouldn't have to put up with any abuse or racism and could just get on with playing football.

But this evening should be an embarrassment for the Czech side that, despite their fans being banned, it still made little difference that the stadium was filled with 10,000 schoolchildren.

A huge proportion of those children booed Glen's every touch of the ball along with every other Black player for Rangers. Tonight shows yet again that Prague has a serious problem with racism and as usual UEFA is nowhere to be seen.

Glen and the Rangers players have shown total class, but no player should have to face this at their work and on the European stage.

It's unclear how UEFA might punish Sparta Prague for this latest example of racist fan behavior, though critics of the organizing body's response to racism in the past likely won't be pleased if UEFA chooses to simply ban fans from Sparta Prague home matches in the Europa League. 

It is unclear if UEFA would consider removing the club from the competition altogether, given this second instance of racist abuse by fans in the past two months. 

Steven Gerrard has signed a two-year contract extension at Rangers that will keep him at the club until 2024.

The Scottish club announced the news on Friday:

Steven’s backroom staff, Gary McAllister, Michael Beale, Tom Culshaw, Colin Stewart, Jordan Milsom, Mark Waller, Scott Mason and Graeme Stevenson have also renewed their contracts at the Club. pic.twitter.com/XnieNMHAou

— Rangers Football Club (@RangersFC) December 13, 2019

Gerrard took charge of Rangers in June 2018. 

The 39-year-old told Rangers' official website:

"I'm delighted to be extending my stay at this fantastic football club.

"When [chairman] Dave King approached me about the possibility of extending my contract with Rangers, it was a very easy decision to make because I'm very happy and feel that we are building something special together at the club."

Gerrard's extension comes after his side secured a place in the first knockout round of the UEFA Europa League on Thursday:

Steven Gerrard is loving life at Rangers 🥳

He's guided the club past the group stages of a European tournament for the first time since 2006-07 👏 pic.twitter.com/GroTgyepGi

— GOAL (@goal) December 13, 2019

Rangers finished second in Group G behind Porto and ahead of Young Boys and Feyenoord.

They earned a 1-1 draw with Young Boys on Thursday. Alfredo Morelos gave the Scottish outfit the lead, and they held on for the point despite a late own-goal from Borna Barisic (U.S. and UK only, respectively):

https://twitter.com/brlive/status/1205225358192238594

Rangers will be pleased with the team's domestic progress under Gerrard, too.

He guided them to second in the Scottish Premiership last season. They finished eight points and a place higher than they had in the previous campaign, having scored six more goals and conceded 23 fewer.

This season, they're two points behind leaders Celtic after 15 matches having lost just once.

They also finished runners-up to Celtic in the Scottish League Cup final on Sunday. Rangers were unfortunate not to win it, as they dominated their rivals throughout but could not find a way past Fraser Forster, while Celtic's goal should have been disallowed for offside.

Steven Gerrard is close to signing a new contract to extend his stay as Rangers manager, after the 39-year-old revealed talks have been continuing with the Scottish Premier League club.

Gerrard described those discussions as "pretty straightforward and positive," per BBC Sport on Wednesday. The former Liverpool midfielder also called it "a pretty simple decision" to remain in Glasgow.

Rangers approached Gerrard over a new deal "10 days ago" according to the manager, with the report stating the contract would keep Gerard around until 2024.

It makes sense for the Ibrox Stadium club to want to keep him in the dugout after Gerrard has restored Rangers' credibility as legitimate competition to the domestic dominance of city rivals Celtic.

Breaking Celtic's hold on Scottish football remains a challenge Gerrard relishes: "I'm very grateful for the opportunity to manage and lead this football club. I'm as hungry and determined to get the good days back here as I ever was."

Making good on those words and surpassing the Hoops will demand consistency from a powerful and talented squad. Gerard's ability to build this kind of group will be boosted by retaining a trio of quality veterans in goalkeeper Allan McGregor, playmaker Steven Davis and striker Jermain Defoe.

Fortunately for Rangers, Gerrard confirmed all three are also set to receive fresh terms: "Allan McGregor and Steven Davis' deals are imminent. They're all agreed. They are two players I want around on a year extension on top of this year."

On Defoe, Gerrard outlined how the 37-year-old on loan from Bournemouth is wanted for the long haul by Rangers. BBC Sport noted how Defoe will put his signature on a pre-contract agreement in January to extend his stay at Ibrox beyond next summer.

Gerrard took over Rangers in 2018 for his first senior job in management. He finished nine points adrift of Celtic in his inaugural season and recently suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to the Old Firm rivals in the Scottish League Cup final:

Steven Gerrard's Rangers will come again 🔵⚪️🔴 pic.twitter.com/E4nHcNck6f

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) December 8, 2019

However, Gerrard does have Rangers on the brink of qualifying for the last 32 in this season's UEFA Europa League. A draw at home to Young Boys on Thursday would be enough to see Rangers progress, a worthy reward for how Gerrard has improved the club's performances in European action:

Rangers' European record at Ibrox under Steven Gerrard:

13 matches
10 wins
3 draws
0 defeats
8 clean sheets

Fortress. pic.twitter.com/QlXq4XDQd7

— bet365 (@bet365) November 8, 2019

It's a far cry from the financial and ownership instability Rangers endured in recent years during the club's climb up the divisions and back to the top flight following demotion to the third tier after incurring mounting debts in 2012.

Gerrard has successfully stabilised Rangers after a period of uncertainty. He's built a tough and enterprising side with the mercurial talents of striker Alfredo Morelos as the focal point and has earned the chance to oversee the next step and bring major silverware back to Rangers.   

Umar Sadiq has hit out at Rangers manager Steven Gerrard following his failed loan stint at Ibrox and said the Scottish club still owe him unpaid wages after his move was cut short.

The AS Roma striker joined Rangers on a season-long loan in July 2018 but was sent back to the Stadio Olimpico in December. Sadiq—now on loan at Serie B Perugia—told The Sunday Post's Danny Stewart & Massimiliano Vitelli of his disappointment with Gerrard after falling down the team's pecking order:

"Then it was Steven Gerrard himself who convinced me. He phoned me three or four times, complimenting me and saying he'd back me to be a success. It made me feel important and convinced me to agree to the loan switch.

"At that point, I knew the club the same way football fans all over the world know Rangers – for its history and the passion of its fans.

"But when I arrived, I didn't even have any time to settle down before they brought in another striker, Kyle Lafferty. That was when the problems started, and my situation soon degenerated into a real nightmare."

The 22-year-old said it was "absurd" that he received a £20,000 fine for liking a post on Instagram, adding the club had not paid him wages for December, the month he was sent back to Roma.

Lafferty rejoined Rangers in August 2018, one month after Nigeria under-23 international Sadiq moved to Glasgow, and has since scored seven goals in 35 appearances across all competitions. Sadiq made only four appearances in five months at the club for a total of 161 minutes.

Much of Gerrard's decision-making in his first season with Rangers appears to have been positive, with the club currently second in the Scottish Premiership and still challenging Celtic for the title.

Sadiq said Liverpool legend Gerrard was "very different" from how he thought he was going to be, saying he was separated from the rest of the first-team squad:

"All of a sudden, I was told that I could not use the first-team dressing-room any more. Instead I had to go change with the kids. Then, after a few days, I was also forbidden to park my car inside the training centre.

"I felt humiliated and kept asking what was the reason for the change of attitude. But I never received any answers. Gerrard wouldn't give any explanation about it, neither to me nor my representatives."

He continued to say Gerrard "didn't even have the courage to talk to me and tell me what was happening face-to-face" when he was told his loan transfer had been terminated.

Former Bhoys striker Chris Sutton recently appeared on BT Sport Score and said he doubted whether the Merseysider could take the Scottish outfit back to the domestic throne:

"Steven Gerrard is on record as saying he is at Rangers to win trophies...

"Unless there's a miracle, he's not going to win any!"@chris_sutton73 thinks Rangers' fans may soon become restless 👀 pic.twitter.com/SAv8DsWhUV

— BT Sport Score (@btsportscore) March 16, 2019

Now in Italy's second tier, Sadiq has scored twice in eight appearances for Perugia, his fifth loan move since joining Roma from Spezia in 2016.

Rangers were much stronger contenders to take Celtic's league title earlier in the campaign, but a run of four matches without a win has seen them fall off the pace. A 1-1 draw at home to Kilmarnock in their most recent outing left them eight points behind Celtic:

Sadiq concluded by saying he didn't care how Rangers do and had his own career to think about when asked for his take on Gerrard's long-term potential as a manager, though it's unlikely the pair will ever reunite.

Former Liverpool and England captain Steven Gerrard was named as the new Rangers manager on Friday.

The Glasgow outfit announced the widely expected appointment via their official website, confirming Gerrard has signed a four-year deal at Ibrox.

Per Rangers' statement, Gerrard, 37, will join the club in the summer. The new manager expressed his excitement at taking the role: "I am honoured to become the next manager of Rangers. I have enormous respect for this football club, and its history and tradition. I can't wait to start this new journey at Rangers as we look to build on the many successes that this club has achieved."

He will succeed Graeme Murty as the permanent boss following the 43-year-old's dismissal on Tuesday. 

Gerrard retired from playing in 2016 after a brief spell with L.A. Galaxy, which followed his 17-year senior career at Anfield.

He has since been coaching in Liverpool's youth setup, and the Rangers role will be his first senior managerial position.

Rangers have spent the best part of the past decade in a state of turmoil. They were demoted from the top flight to the fourth tier of Scottish football in July 2012 after going into administration and had to work their way back to the Scottish Premiership.

The Glasgow outfit returned to Scotland's top tier in 2016-17, but they are still some way from challenging Old Firm rivals Celtic for the title.

Gerrard has been linked with the Rangers job for several weeks, and reaction to his appointment has been mixed:

Steven Gerrard is officially confirmed as bonkers.

— Ewan MacKenna (@EwanMacKenna) May 4, 2018

I know people have their doubts over whether it’s the right move, but I don’t. Steven Gerrard will be the next Rangers manager and I wish him all the luck in the world. His ‘obsession’ will take him far. pic.twitter.com/gYzc2OP9qk

— Jake Humphrey (@mrjakehumphrey) May 4, 2018

Rangers confirm Steven Gerrard is their new manager. MD Stewart Robson calls him "the perfect man to manage our club at this time." Four-year contract. Undoubtedly a gamble on both sides, but good luck to him for taking the plunge https://t.co/xD9IbVuaUI

— Oliver Kay (@OliverKay) May 4, 2018

"It's a gamble for @RangersFC and a gamble for Steven Gerrard."

Gers legend Ally McCoist has his say on the imminent appointment of the former @LFC skipper.

K & G show 👉 https://t.co/sYqyY93t8k#KeysandGray #RangersFC pic.twitter.com/iw10JudZVx

— beIN SPORTS (@beINSPORTS_EN) May 4, 2018

The former England captain cannot be accused of shirking a challenge given the huge status Rangers hold in Scottish and European football.

Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard has reportedly "agreed a deal in principle" to take over at Rangers in what will be his first senior managerial position. 

Sky Sports News reported Gerrard's move to the Ibrox was sealed following a meeting with the club in London late Thursday evening, with official confirmation expected later on Friday.

Rangers are seeking a successor to the recently sacked Graeme Murty and will hope Gerrard, if confirmed, can help them challenge Celtic for the Scottish Premiership crown. 

Gerrard is reported to have agreed a three-year contract in Glasgow and will appoint Gary McAllister as his assistant, having worked at Anfield in an ambassadorial capacity in recent years.

Gerard Houllier, who managed Liverpool and Gerrard for six years and handed the Englishman his senior debut in 1998, saw the chance to coach Rangers as a big opportunity for his former charge, via Goal:

What does Steven Gerrard need to do to be a success as Rangers manager? pic.twitter.com/HcjPxkFFmW

— GOAL News (@GoalNews) May 3, 2018

Houllier is right in that investment will be key for a club that's been hectic in the transfer market in recent years, struggling for the same consistency that Celtic have unearthed under another of Gerrard's ex-coaches, Brendan Rodgers.

Following their promotion from the Scottish Championship, Rangers are still challenging to finish second in the top flight this term, and Gerrard may yet take his position to help them end the season above Aberdeen.

The 37-year-old will seek to break up Celtic's Scottish league monopoly from the sidelines.

It's been almost seven years since Rangers last won a Scottish top-tier title, dropping into administration in 2012 and working their way back to the top following three promotions in four seasons.

Rodgers has found great success since arriving in Scotland and has won back-to-back league titles with Celtic, and Rangers will hope to see another Anfield alumnus bring glory back to the blue half of Glasgow.

Liverpool icon Steven Gerrard has said he is interested in becoming the new Rangers manager having held talks with the club. 

Rumours have gathered pace in recent weeks that the 37-year-old is set to take the position with the Scottish club, and the former midfielder was asked about the speculation on Tuesday when he was a pundit for BT Sport.

"There's truth in the rumours," he said, per Ian Herbert of the Daily Mail. "I've held initial talks with Rangers and the plan is to pick them up in a couple of days."

Gerrard added the discussions had been "positive," and when asked directly if he was likely to become the boss of the Glasgow giants he said "we'll see."

According to Herbert, there remain two issues in the way of Gerrard making the switch from the Liverpool academy to Ibrox.

"One is the size of transfer budget he will get to undertake a rebuild that is clearly needed," he wrote. The other is that Gerrard is said to want the final say on incoming players, despite working under director of football Mark Allen.

As noted by football writer Jonathan Fadugba, there have been some indications in recent weeks that Gerrard is thinking more like a manager:

One thing I've noticed about Steven Gerrard is that he talks and analyses the game a lot more like a coach now than he used to in his punditry. Obviously learning a lot in new role. Bodes well for Rangers perhaps.

— Jonathan Fadugba (@JFfutbol) May 1, 2018

Following their 5-0 loss in the Old Firm game on Sunday, it was confirmed on Tuesday that Graeme Murty had been sacked as Rangers manager, per BBC Sport.

Murty took the post in October, replacing Pedro Caixinha after his tough start to the campaign. Despite investing heavily in the summer, Rangers were knocked out of UEFA Europa League qualifying by Luxembourg's Progres Niederkorn.

After initially steadying the ship, Murty saw his side lose further ground on a rampant Celtic outfit. BBC Sport's Tom English believes there are bigger issues at the club than the manager:

Celtic ragdolled Rangers today. A vast humiliation. I feel sorry for Graeme Murty. He’s getting dog’s abuse. The fault lies well above his head.

— Tom English (@TEnglishSport) April 29, 2018

Should Gerrard take on the position these issues will be difficult to resolve. While Rangers are third in the Scottish Premier League, the chasm between them and their bitter Glasgow rivals is enormous at this point.

Rory Smith of the New York Times believes there is still potential for a new manager to do well, though:

Whether it's a good move for Rangers is a bit harder to know, what with it being his first senior job, but his name alone should be galvanising, and *if* there's money there, I'd guess he'd be an attraction to young players, in particular.

— Rory Smith (@RorySmith) May 1, 2018

Rangers require a coach to implement an identity over a long timeframe. Given his reputation and experience in the game, it is an area Gerrard can assist in.

The Liverpool icon is heralded on Merseyside, having helped the Reds to the UEFA Champions League, the Europa League (then known as the UEFA Cup) and two FA Cups during his playing days. However, this will be his first step into senior management, and at a club such as Rangers there will be an expectation to hit the ground running.

Liverpool legend and current under-18s head coach Steven Gerrard has reportedly spoken with the Rangers hierarchy with a view to replacing Graeme Murty as the club's manager, per Raman Bhardwaj for STV. 

The club are speaking to several candidates, and Gerrard is believed to be just one of the names on the shortlist, although the former Liverpool captain is the most eye-catching to be linked with the job. Murty was placed in charge of the Scottish club until the end of the season after Pedro Caixinha was sacked in October 2017.

However, Andy Devlin for The Sun reported a "deal is close" with Gerrard, meaning Rangers could be about to trust their vital rebuilding project to a man with no first-team managerial experience.

Gerrard has been in charge of Liverpool under-18s for less than a year but has impressed. The team are third in the Premier League and beat Manchester United 2-1 in their most recent match on Friday, making good on Klopp's suggestion Gerrard's return to the club was "wonderful for football," per BBC Sport.

In an interview with Andy Hunter for the Guardian in December, Gerrard spoke candidly about the risks involved in taking his first senior management role.

"I could get a first-team job and get sacked after four or five games. It might put me off for life," he said. "I might take my first job and win a league and that might set me up for the next 10 or 20 years. I can't predict the future. All I can do is make myself as prepared as I can be for whatever roles I take down the line."

Rangers are a big challenge. They are 10 points behind Celtic with four matches left to play, making it almost impossible for the Gers to win their first Scottish Premiership title since 2011. Competing with their Glasgow rivals right to the end of the campaign will be the challenge for whoever takes the reins at Ibrox.

Rangers chairman Dave King was spotted at Anfield on Tuesday night as Liverpool beat AS Roma 5-2 in the Champions League, adding fuel to the fire:

https://twitter.com/TonyGuatella/status/988862273446957057

Gerrard to Rangers would be an interesting move in more ways than one. The Liverpool captain, who almost lifted the league title under Brendan Rodgers in 2013-14, would go head-to-head with his former manager in Glasgow. It would add a fascinating subplot to the Old Firm derbies in 2018-19.

A Rangers fan received an unwanted surprise on his birthday when he was presented with a cake adorned with his team's badge and colours...but made with Celtic-coloured sponge.

An amusing video posted on the Facebook page of cake-makers "Cupcakes by Lilian" shows the moment birthday boy Iain Orr cut into cake...to reveal the green and white of arch-rivals Celtic.

Warning: The following video contains NSFW language

The pranked Gers fan eventually realised he'd been had, much to the amusement of his surrounding friends.

"It was hilarious—totally unexpected," Mr Orr told the Scottish Sun (via the Telegraph) later.

[Facebook, h/t the Telegraph]