Sparta Prague issue Rangers Europa League reply
Sparta Prague have issued a statement blasting "cowardly" attacks on their young fans after their Europa League clash with Rangers in the Czech Republic.
It comes after Glen Kamara was subject to boos and jeers by the crowd, made up of local kids after Sparta fans were banned over racist abuse during a Champions League qualifier.
Rangers lost 1-0 on Prague but the football was overshadowed by the toxic atmosphere where Kamara and several of his black teammates were treated with hostility.
Steven Gerrard says the Ibrox club have already contacted UEFA to seek further sanctions against Sparta.
But the Czech side have now issued a statement defending their fans - arguing those in attendance had "no idea" what racism is.
A statement reads: "We would like to thank Rangers FC for Thursday's fair sporting contest in the UEFA Europa League. It was an honour to welcome to Prague and at our stadium a famous and successful Scottish club, its players, the executive team and members of the management. We are convinced that they were satisfied with the service provided by our club.
"We contributed to Rangers feeling as safe as possible during their stay in the Czech Republic. We were involved in ensuring their protection together with the security forces of the state and we took steps that went far beyond the standard procedures for organising international matches.
"It is absolutely unbelievable that after a match we have to watch innocent children being attacked and face unfounded accusations of racism. Insulting children on the internet and in the media is unacceptable, desperate and ridiculous.
"Stop attacking our children! Our club will proudly defend our children - our future and our pride. Slandering children on the internet is extremely cowardly.
"We are seeing unprecedented xenophobic statements against the Czech Republic, its citizens and even its children on social media. You are describing the behaviour of children incorrectly, arrogating to yourself the right to judge the expression of emotions of six-year-old children who have no idea what racism is. It's an impertinence."
The statement then singles out Kamara's lawyer Aamer Anwar, who was once again shocked at the abuse directed at his client.
"Sadly, we have to read the desperate attacks of lawyer Aamer Anwar, who goes beyond what a lawyer should be allowed to do. In the Czech environment, his conduct would have been dealt with by the Bar Association by now.
"His activism and online bullying should be dealt with by the relevant institution in Scotland. Inciting xenophobic tendencies and verbal attacks on defenceless children are beyond the pale of morality and decorum.
"The parents who made it possible for their sons and daughters to attend, as well as the coaches and teachers who came to Letná stadium as supervisors and contributed significantly to the smooth organization of the match, also deserve our thanks and respect. This match will go down in the club's history in a positive sense.
"We ask the representatives of Rangers FC to do their part to stop the xenophobic atmosphere directed towards our children, our beautiful country and its inhabitants."