Marko Arnautovic’s celebration is controversial. After causing the striker to be strangled by David Alaba, now sanctions are also threatening him.
Austria vs North Macedonia was presented at the National Arena, Budapest, Hungary, Sunday (13/6) in the Euro 2020 Group C match. The match was marked by Arnautovic’s controversial celebration.
The 32-year-old striker, who scored Austria’s third goal, celebrated his goal by making an ‘okay’ gesture with his index and thumb together, and shouting in abusive language.
‘Fuck your mother Shiptar,’ ‘ he shouted at the audience.
Marko Arnautovic celebrates in Austria vs North Macedonia. Photo: Getty Images/Daniel Mihailescu – Pool |
‘Šiptarsku’ has a racist meaning aimed at ethnic Albanians. The country of North Macedonia itself is inhabited by Albanian immigrants, especially those who became refugees from the 1998-1999 Kosovo War.
The celebration had annoyed David Alaba, and grabbed Arnautovic’s mouth. Now, Arnautovic is also threatened with sanctions.
Reported by the Daily Mail, UEFA created a team to investigate Arnautovic’s celebration. And if found guilty, Arnautovic could be banned for the remainder of the tournament.
A UEFA statement said, “In accordance with Article 31(4) of the UEFA Disciplinary Rules, the Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector has been appointed to investigate the incident involving the player Marko Arnautovic that occurred during the 2020 European Championship group- stage match between the Austrian and North Macedonia national teams on 13 June 2021. Further information on this matter will be available in due course,” UEFA said in a statement.
Reports accuse Marko Arnautovic of racially abusing defenders Egzon Bejtulai and Gjanni Alioski, who are of Albanian blood. Arnautovic’s insults were made in the context of the Kosovo War, between Serbia-Albania, where Arnautovic had a Serbian father.
After the match, Arnautovic himself apologized for his celebration. But he insists he is not a racist.
“There were some hot words yesterday in the emotion of the game, for which I want to apologize. Especially to my friends from North Macedonia and Albania,” he said.
“I want to say one thing very clearly: I am not a racist. I have friends in almost every country and I support diversity. Everyone who knows me is aware of that,” Marko Arnautovic said on social media.
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