The Italian Football Federation has released a statement assuring there was ‘no racist insult’ from an Italy player towards Sweden Under-21 international Anthony Elanga and they will defend that position in any investigation.
The Swedish FA submitted a report to the referee and the match delegates after last night’s 1-1 draw in Monza.
They allege that an Italian player made a racist remark towards Elanga after the stoppage-time equaliser in the European Under-21 Championship qualifier.
Elanga was booked for ‘goading’ the home crowd with his celebration following Tim Prica’s goal.
The Italian FA (FIGC) have now released their own statement absolutely denying that any Italian player made a racist insult towards an opponent.
“Hoping that the competent authorities will clarify the situation quickly, you can clearly see from the footage that after the 92nd minute goal, two Swedish players carry on their celebrations for a long time and are urged by the Italian players to resume the game.
“We reiterate that no racist insult was pronounced before, at that moment or afterwards and the FIGC will act to protect its image and that of its players in any court.”
The name of the Italian player alleged to have made the racist comment is not known.
The FIGC also points out that the referees and UEFA match delegate did not notice anything untoward.
There was some tension at the final whistle, to be expected after a stoppage-time equaliser.
La FIGC risponde alla Svezia: “Nessuna offesa di stampo razzista. Ci tuteleremo” https://t.co/Tv78WoxKqS
— TUTTOmercatoWEB (@TuttoMercatoWeb) October 13, 2021