Arnautovic handed 1-match ban for racist goal celebration

Arnautovic handed 1-match ban for racist goal celebration

Uefa's suspension comes even after he apologised for his actions in Austria's win over North Macedonia.

Arnautovic has denied using racist language towards North Macedonian fans. (AP pic)
AMSTERDAM:
Austria will be without forward Marko Arnautovic for Thursday’s Euro 2020 Group C match against the Holland after he was handed a one-match ban by Uefa.

An investigation was opened by Uefa after Arnautovic’s angry goal celebration in Austria’s opening win over North Macedonia after coming on as a substitute on Sunday.

Arnautovic, who has Serbian background, apologised on Monday for his reaction towards North Macedonia fans but denied he had used racist language towards them.

North Macedonia’s football governing body (FFM) said Arnautovic’s remarks were aimed at their player Gjanni Alioski, who has Albanian roots.

The Uefa Appeals Body said on Wednesday they had suspended Arnautovic for one game for “insulting” another player.

Serbia does not recognise the independence of its former province Kosovo, while there is historic tension between Serbia and North Macedonia.

Stay current - Follow FMT on WhatsApp, Google news and Telegram

Subscribe to our newsletter and get news delivered to your mailbox.