Marko Arnautovic has apologised after it was alleged he shouted an offensive slur during Austria’s win over North Macedonia at Euro 2020.
The former West Ham and Stoke City striker celebrated wildly after coming on as a substitute to score Austria’s third goal in the Group C match.
After the 32-year-old was restrained by teammate David Alaba, a Serbian newspaper accused him of making a derogatory comment directed towards Albanians.
Some of North Macedonia’s players, including Shkendija’s Egzon Bejtulai and Leeds winger Gjanni Alioski, are of Albanian heritage.
On Monday, Arnautovic admitted that his celebrations had been over the top, but denied using racist language.
“There were some heated words yesterday in the emotions of the game for which I would like to APOLOGIZE [sic] — especially to my friends from North Macedonia and Albania,” he said.
“I would like to say one thing very clearly: I AM NOT A RACIST!
“I have friends in almost every country and I stand for diversity. Everyone who knows me is aware of that.”
Austria’s sporting director Peter Schottel added: “Trash talk is part of football. The most important thing is that Marko has made it clear he has nothing to do with politics.
“The second thing is that it was cleared up after the game. The topic has been resolved.”
Austria will next be in action against the Netherlands on Thursday, while North Macedonia will play Ukraine next.
i understands that no formal disciplinary action has yet begun against Arnautovic.
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from Football – inews.co.uk https://ift.tt/3gprZrw
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