UEFA has launched an investigation after Austria forward Marko Arnautovic’s goal celebration against North Macedonia on Sunday.
Arnautovic scored a late goal during the 3-1 win and afterwards celebrated loudly, which led to Austria captain David Alaba restraining him.
It has been alleged since that Arnautovic directed racist comments at North Macedonia’s Egzon Bejtulai and Gjanni Alioski, who have Albanian roots.
Arnautovic apologised for his goal celebration after the game in a post on Instagram and stressed he is not a racist.
He wrote: “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.
“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.”
UEFA today, however, launched an investigation into the incident with an Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector tasked with looking into the matter.
If found guilty of using racist language, Arnautovic is at risk of receiving a 10-game ban from UEFA - which is the minimum punishment that can be given out for such an offence.
