Austria striker Arnautovic banned for Netherlands clash for 'insulting' behaviour
Arnautovic had to be restrained by his captain David Alaba as he celebrated scoring in a 3-1 victory in Austria’s Group C opener at the National Arena in Bucharest on Sunday.
The 32-year-old, who is of Serbian descent, was accused of yelling a racist insult at North Macedonia players Egzon Bejtulai and Ezgjan Alioski, who both have Albanian roots.
UEFA to investigate Arnautovic incident in North Macedonia game
Arnautovic apologised for his conduct but denied using a racial slur.
The Football Federation of Macedonia submitted an official letter to UEFA demanding the most severe punishment possible following what it described as a “nationalist outburst” towards Ezgjan Alioski, who has Albanian roots.
UEFA launched an investigation and decided to ban the 32-year-old for one game, so he will sit out the encounter with the Oranje at Johan Cruijff ArenA for “insulting another player.”
