CELTIC and Rangers players chose to stand rather than to take the knee prior to Sunday's Old Firm derby match at Celtic Park.
The two Glasgow clubs don't tend to agree on much, but they stood together in solidarity before kick-off to show support for Rangers' midfielder Glen Kamara, who claimed he was racially abused by Slavia Prague's Ondrej Kudela towards the end of the two sides' Europa League game on Thursday.
The incident led to ugly scenes on and off the pitch after the match, prompting a UEFA investigation into the situation.
Rangers striker Kemar Roofe also suffered racist abuse on social media after he was sent off during the game at Ibrox.
Prior to the match, Gerrard explained Kamara's state of mind following events in midweek and the decision-making process behind choosing not to take a knee.
"I didn't have to speak to him [Kamara] because I know the boy very well and I know the character and he will be desperate to play today," he told Sky Sports.
"I didn't have to chat but obviously to check on his welfare and how he was feeling of course I did that as well. He is totally fine, he is looking forward to the game.
"We won't take the knee. I spoke to both of my captains yesterday and they made a collective decision that they are going to stand, and they are going to stand side-by-side together and we will support that and follow suit as staff as well.
🤝A touching moment at Parkhead as Celtic captain Scott Brown shows his support to Glen Kamara after the Rangers midfielder suffered alleged racist abuse on Thursday in the Europa League
đź“şWatch Celtic vs Rangers at home - live on Sky Sports now! pic.twitter.com/qVTZgQLdik— Sky Sports Scotland (@ScotlandSky) March 21, 2021
Prior to Sunday's derby, Celtic captain Scott Brown approached Kamara to show his support personally, shaking his hand and offering him a quick embrace.
The match itself finished 1-1 after 'Gers forward Alfredo Morelos cancelled out Mohamed Elyounoussi's opening goal.
Celtic avoided the embarrassment of being beaten at home by the newly crowned champions, but notably refused to give Steven Gerrard's side the traditional 'guard of honour' afforded to teams who secure the Championship before season's end.
But Celtic's class shouldn't be called into question. They've offered support for their fierce rivals where it mattered and that, undoubtedly, should be commended.
