Rangers and Celtic did not kneel before the Old Firm classic on Sunday after allegations of racism against midfielder Glen Kamara during Thursday’s Europa League defeat against 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 position in a premature interview.
“We are not going to take a knee,” he said. “I spoke to my two captains [on Saturday] and they made a collective decision that they will and will be together side by side and we will support that and follow the example as a team as well.
“I was not aware of the conversation that the players had between themselves but [James Tavernier and Connor Goldson] came to see me [on Saturday] and I totally understand the decision they made and I totally agree with that and we will do the same as a team to show their support. “
Celtic interim coach John Kennedy added: “We spoke to Rangers and agreed that we will not do that. It probably lost its impact, so we hope to send a much stronger message if we stay together.
“Racism and any kind of hatred in society, but also in football, are shameful. We want to give as much support as we can.”
On Saturday, Dundee United and Motherwell also chose not to kneel. Motherwell said it has become an “empty gesture” in the fight against racism.
Kamara was furious after Slavia Prague central defender Ondrej Kudela leaned into his ear and said something while covering his mouth, sparking a fight in the final round of the knockout round.
Slavia Prague denied the charges and said in a statement that Kudela had been attacked by Kamara after the game. The defender said his comments to the Finnish midfielder, who is black, were not racist.