UEFA urged to probe Austria player’s goal celebration

North Macedonia has asked UEFA to probe Austria’s Marko Arnautovic’s goal celebration during their Euro 2020 match on Sunday. The 32-year-old Arnautovic, who has Serbian background, apologised on Monday for his reaction towards North Macedonia fans but denied he had using racist language towards them.

North Macedonia’s football federation (FFM) has called on UEFA to investigate Austria forward Marko Arnautovic’s reaction after he scored during their Euro 2020 match on Sunday.

Second-half substitute appeared furious as he celebrated his late goal, before captain David Alaba stepped in to restrain him.

The 32-year-old, who has Serbian background, apologised on Monday for his reaction towards North Macedonia fans but denied he had using racist language towards them.

The FFM said Arnautovic’s remarks were aimed at North Macedonia’s Gjanni Alioski, who has Albanian roots.

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

“The FFM strongly condemns the nationalistic outburst of Austrian player Marko Arnautovic, after a goal scored in yesterday’s match, addressed to Ezgjan Alioski,” the FFM said on Facebook on Monday.

“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,” the FFM added.

“We will always stand up and defend the interests and dignity of Macedonian national players wherever they perform.”

Reuters has requested comment from UEFA.

Belgium vs Denmark will be emotional after Eriksen collapse: Tielemans

Belgium midfielder Youri Tielemans said their Euro 2020 match against Denmark on Thursday will be “emotional,” with the players still trying to process Christian Eriksen’s collapse on the pitch due to a cardiac arrest.

The Dane collapsed in the 42nd minute of Saturday’s match against Finland and was given CPR before being taken to hospital. The Danish FA’s communications director Jakob Hoeyer told reporters on Monday Eriksen’s condition remains stable.

“It’s going to be an emotional match — we know that, with what happened,” Tielemans told reporters on Monday.

“You can’t just forget about that in a couple of days, we’ll never forget that.”

Tielemans said he had contacted Leicester City team mate and Denmark goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel to offer his good wishes to Eriksen after the incident.

“It’s a very difficult moment to go through for everybody in football but also in the world,” Tielemans added.

“We definitely don’t want to see that live, but that did happen. They (Denmark players) reacted very well and handled it excellently.”

Belgium are top of Group B after their 3-0 win over Russia in the opener, while Denmark are third following their 1-0 defeat by Finland.

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