Why is Marko Arnautovic not playing against Holland, and what did he say against North Macedonia at Euro 2020?
MARKO ARNAUTOVIC celebrated angrily when he managed to score against North Macedonia in Austria’s opening Euro 2020 group game at the weekend.
The former West Ham man scored the third goal in a 3-1 win for Austria after coming on as a substitute late in the game.
And once the ball hit the back of the net, Arnautovic wheeled away to celebrate in bizarre fashion, angering North Macedonia players.
UEFA have now suspended Arnautovic for Austria’s clash with Holland.
What did Marko Arnautovic say in his celebration?
Austria were already in command of their Euro 2020 clash when Arnautovic scored to make it 3-1.
The former Stoke striker was quick to celebrate in emphatic fashion, shouting and pointing at North Macedonia players and supporters in the process.
Austria captain David Alaba had to restrain Arnautovic from saying too much more and grabbed the 32-year-old by the face to tell him to stop.
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The Football Federation of Macedonia have since called for UEFA to investigate what exactly Arnautovic said to North Macedonia’s players.
It’s been reported in Serbia that that Arnautovic made derogatory remarks during his celebration.
It’s claimed Arnautovic allegedly said “I’m f*****g your Albanian mother.”
UEFA have since revealed that they have banned Arnautovic for ‘insulting another player’.
The FFM claim that insults were directed at Leeds man Ezgjan Alioski, who has Albanian routes.
“The FFM strongly condemns the nationalistic outburst of Austrian player Marko Arnautovic, after a goal scored in yesterday’s match, addressed to Ezgjan Alioski,” a statement said.
“At the same time, we inform you that we have submitted an official letter to Uefa demanding the harshest punishment for Arnautovic.”
“We are always against nationalism, discrimination and all other forms of insults and outbursts that are not in the spirit of football and values that we all stand together.
“We will always stand up and defend the interests and dignity of Macedonian national players wherever they perform.”
Arnautovic, meanwhile, has Serbian routes and Serbia have historic tension with North Macedonia.
Though UEFA have now decided to suspend him for the Holland game, Arnautovic has apologised for his actions.
“There were some heated words yesterday in the emotions of the game for which I would like to apologise, especially to my friends from North Macedonia and Albania,” he wrote on Instagram.
“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 take on Holland in their next Euro 2020 clash at the Johan Cruyff Arena in Amsterdam.