Rangers and Celtic did not kneel before the Old Firm derby on Sunday, following allegations of racism against midfielder Glen Kamara during the Europa League defeat to Slavia Prague.
UEFA said on Friday it was investigating incidents in the Rangers’ clash with Slavia Prague after Kamara complained of being racially abused by a visiting player.
Rangers boss Steven Gerrard confirmed his stance in a pre-match interview.
“We’re not going to get on our knees,” he said. “I spoke to my captains [on Saturday] and they have made a collective decision that they will stay and stay together side by side, and we will do the same with their support and follow the same as staff.
“I was not aware of the chat the players have had with each other, however [James Tavernier and Connor Goldson] they have come to see me [on Saturday] and I fully understand the decision they have made and I fully support it 100% and we will do the same as a staff to show them their support. “
Celtic interim manager John Kennedy added: “We’ve talked to Rangers and agreed we won’t. They’ve probably lost impact, so we hope to send a much stronger message if we stay together.
“Racism and any kind of hatred of society but also of football are shameful. We want to give any support we can.”
On Saturday, Dundee United and Motherwell also opted not to kneel. Motherwell said it had become an “empty gesture” in the fight against racism.
Kamara felt furious after Slavia Prague center-back Ondrej Kudela leaned into his ear and said something as he covered his mouth, causing a melee in the final stages of the knockout stages of the round of 16.
Slavia Prague denied the allegations and said in a statement that Kudela had been assaulted by Kamara after the match. The defender said his statements to the Finnish midfielder, who is black, had not been racist.