Kudela was hit with a ten-game ban
Slavia Prague defender Ondrej Kudela has confirmed that he has dropped his appeal against a ban for racially abusing Glen Kamara during a Europa League game last year.
UEFA hit Kudela with a ten-game ban after the Rangers midfielder reported him for racially abusing him during a Europa League tie at Ibrox on March 18, 2021.
The Czech international, who missed out on Euro 2020 due to the suspension, has denied the claim, insisting he had used the word “guy” while covering his mouth with his hand.
While Kudela learned earlier this week that he will not face any criminal charges in relation to the incident, it appeared his appeal against the ban would still be heard by the Court of Arbitration for Sport next month.
However, the 34-year-old’s legal representatives from the Urban & Hedjuk law firm have said on Slavia’s website that the appeal has now been ditched.
“I am glad that this line of the story is over,” Kudela said in a statement. “The whole case has been going on for a long time, but I just want to focus on football.
“I would like to close it definitively, so after a long deliberation and agreement with the club, I told my lawyers to stop the ongoing international sports arbitration.”
Kudela added that he was sorry – but the apology only appeared to relate only to approaching Kamara.
“I realise that it was a mistake to go to Glen Kamara at all and tell him anything,” he said. “There were emotions in the match and unfortunately I can’t take it back now. I’m so sorry.”
Kamara was also given a three-game ban by UEFA for punching Kudela in the tunnel. He also discovered he would not face criminal charges.
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