'I am not a racist' - Austria goalscorer Marko Arnautović says sorry for outburst at Leeds United's Gjanni Alioski in North Macedonia Euros clash
Austria attacker Marko Arnautović has apologised for an outburst apparently aimed at Leeds United's North Macedonian international Gjanni Alioski during yesterday's Euro 2020 clash.
The former West Ham United man, whose father is Serbian, scored Austria's third and final goal in their opening group game and during his celebration turned to scream in the direction of the Whites left-back, who is of Albanian heritage.
Austrian captain David Alaba sprinted to the striker and grabbed his face in what seemed an attempt to quiet him.
Alioski and Arnautović were seen in conversation at the full-time whistle.
Today Arnautovic issued an apology via his Instagram account, blaming the emotion in the game and insisting he is not a racist.
"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 said.
"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."
A spokesperson for UEFA told the YEP: "There are no disciplinary proceedings opened following the three EURO matches played yesterday."