AUSTRIA FORWARD Marko Arnautovic on Monday apologised for insulting North Macedonian players after scoring in their Euro 2020 match.
Arnautovic, who netted Austria’s third goal in a 3-1 win in Bucharest on Sunday, angrily celebrated and had to be silenced by teammate David Alaba.
Media reports have claimed he insulted Leeds United’s Ezgjan Alioski, referring to the defender’s Albanian heritage.
“There were some heated words yesterday in the emotions of the game for which I would like to APOLOGIZE — especially to my friends from North Macedonia and Albania,” former Stoke and West Ham United player Arnautovic said in a statement posted on social media.
“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.”
Alioski has not commented on the incident.
“I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I’m sorry,” Arnautovic said, quoted by Austrian news agency APA.
“Let’s forget about it, it’s not part of football.”
That’s exactly what a racist would say
@Kenthreebellys: a true racist probably wouldn’t apologise
@Stephen Coveney: they would and continue being racist
He said something in the heat of the moment. Apologised. CASE CLOSED.
@Rocky Jones: hes done it before lad
I am sure there is more to it than a heat of the moment comment,
Arnautovic is of Serban extraction and am sure there is no love lost between them and their neighbours.
@Robin Power: as a Serb he has no right to insult anyone.
@Joe Healy: I know that Joe, I was just commenting on the perhaps cause of him mouthing off.
This guy has got form. Austria should send him home.
That’s exactly what a bigot would say