Kudela ban is ´pinnacle of hypocrisy´, says senior Czech politican

Ondrej Kudela’s 10-game UEFA ban for “racist behaviour” was designed to “fulfill the perverted expectations of a small group of activists,” according to a senior politician in the Czech Republic. 

Slavia Prague’s Kudela was sanctioned on Wednesday after initially receiving a one-match ban by UEFA’s Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body for “insulting players or others present at the match” after an altercation with Rangers’ Glen Kamara. 

Kudela and Slavia strenuously denied the accusations levelled by Kamara in March, with the Czech Republic international alleged to have made a racist comment while covering his mouth towards the end of an ill-tempered round-of-16 second leg that Rangers lost 2-0, eliminating them from the competition.

Slavia accused Kamara of attacking Kudela inside the stadium after the game and UEFA also took action against the Rangers midfielder, suspending him for three games. 

Vratislav Mynar, head of the office of the president of the Czech Republic, has responded furiously to Kudela’s suspension, describing it as “the pinnacle of hypocrisy”. 

“I note that racism is unproven and alleged,” he wrote in an open letter to UEFA on the president of the Czech Republic’s official website. 

“The UEFA inspector himself questioned that Ondrej Kudela had made a racist statement. Nevertheless, you have decided on a completely unprecedented punishment for a player who did not harm anyone and only verbally – according to his statement – offended his opponent. 

“You condemn a decent person without a single piece of evidence. All this just to fulfill the perverted expectations of a small group of activists and a club unable to win on the field, all the more so by shouting empty and hurtful phrases about racism.

“In your submission, the fight against racism has become the fight of the unsuccessful against the successful, the pinnacle of hypocrisy and positive discrimination.

“Your efforts can lead to the opposite; a situation where a person with a colour other than black will be discriminated against, oppressed and deprived of their rights. That is why I also consider it necessary to oppose this procedure.”

Mynar also said Czech president, Milos Zeman, was aware of the incident and considers it to be an important issue of “human dignity”.

“I very much appreciate the fact that the Czech public does not identify with your verdict, across the whole society.” he added. “On the contrary, even if only for a short time, you have managed to unite ancient rivals. We will not kneel before you and no threats apply to the Czech football fan.

“The president of the Republic, Milos Zeman, is acquainted with the situation in detail and considers it important not only from the point of view of sport, but also from the point of view of justice and human dignity. 

“It expresses belonging to all citizens of the Czech Republic who follow this case and are disappointed during it. At the same time, he wishes all players and fans not to be discouraged by the whole affair and to continue to support their team so valiantly.”