Bologna-bound striker Marko Arnautovic has received a one-match ban after being found guilty of insulting another player during Austria vs. North Macedonia.
Arnautovic scored a goal in Austria’s 3-1 win over North Macedonia on Sunday.
The former Inter striker, who has Serbian heritage, went a bit too far in his celebration and allegedly made a racial slur referring to opponents Egzon Bejtulai and Gjanni Alioski, who have Albanian roots.
Arnautovic apologised with a message on Instagram the following day, but insisted he is ‘not 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 wrote.
“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.”
The 32-year-old has now received a one-match ban, meaning he will miss tomorrow’s game against the Netherlands.
Arnautovic was found guilty of misconduct and his actions were not considered discriminatory.
The former Inter man has reportedly reached an agreement with Serie A side Bologna who are waiting for the striker to free himself from his contract with Shanghai SIPG.