Arnautović apologises for offensive words  against Macedonia

Austria forward Marko Arnautovic has issued an apology for his wild celebrations during Sunday night’s European Championship opener against North Macedonia in Group C.

The 32-year-old came on as a second-half substitute at the National Arena in Bucharest and scored in the 89th minute, helping Franco Foda’s side secure all three points with a well-deserved 3-1 win.

As you can see in the footage below, after rounding the goalkeeper and slotting it away with ease, Arnautovic appeared to launch a verbal tirade at the opposition before being mobbed by his teammates.

Austria captain David Alaba then proceeded to physically intervene when the celebrations continued, grabbing his teammate’s mouth before having a stern word with the former Stoke City and West Ham forward.

Arnautovic has since apologised for his actions in a statement on his official Instagram account.

He admitted there were some “heated words” voiced as he celebrated finding the net to make it 3-1.

Arnautovic has also apologised to the people of North Macedonia and Albania following his actions.

He wrote: “There were some heated words yesterday in the emotions of the game for which I apologise – especially to the people 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.”