James Tavernier urges Rangers to block Sparta boo boys out as skipper hopes racism has been left in the past

James Tavernier says Rangers have to be prepared to block out the boos in Prague as he admits fearing a repeat of the abuse aimed at Glen Kamara last time they visited the Czech capital.

The Ibrox side are due to touch down in Bohemia ahead of Thursday’s Europa League showdown with Sparta. It’s two years since Gers’ last visit to the Epet Arena was marred by disgraceful scenes as Kamara - the victim of a racial slur during a clash with Sparta’s city rivals Slavia this season before - was targeted again from the stands.

Sparta had initially been ordered to stage the match behind closed doors as a UEFA punishment for racist chanting - only for European football’s governing body to relent as they green-lighted a request to allow 10,000 youngsters in through the turnstiles. However, that leniency back-fired when the high-pitched band of under-14s jeered Kamara’s every touch before the frustrated former Ibrox ace was sent-off late in the 1-0 defeat.

As if that wasn’t bad enough, a banner in support of Ondrej Kudela - the Slavia player hit with a 10-game back after being found guilty of racially abusing Kamara during a clash Ibrox in March 2021 - was also held aloft by the young Sparta support. Now as Gers prepare to return to the Golden City, captain Tavernier admits his team are resigned to the fact a repeat cannot be ruled out.

Looking back, Tavernier said: “It was different because it was a crowd full of kids. You don’t really hear too much when you play. Glen got sent-off and and that’s when you hear the boos. You were thrown back by it, that and the fact they said it was going to be behind closed doors then changed it to letting in those kids.

“This time, I don’t think we can be the ones to decide what happens so we’ve