Arnautovic was ‘provoked’, claims Austria manager Foda after forward received one-match ban

Marko Arnautovic was ‘provoked’ into shouted ‘I’m f***ing your Albanian mother’ at Ezgjan Alioski, claims Austria manager Franco Foda after former West Ham forward received one-match ban for insulting rival

Austria manager Franco Foda has leapt to the defence of Marko Arnautovic, insisting he was provoked into the furious reaction against North Macedonia that earned him a one-game UEFA ban.

Former West Ham man Arnautovic will miss Thursday’s clash with Holland after being suspended for ‘insulting another player’ while celebrating his goal in Austria’s Euro 2020 opener.

Arnautovic came off the bench to score and then aimed a tirade towards Egzon Bejtulai before hurling further abuse at Leeds’ Ezgjan Alioski. He was accused of telling Alioski: ‘I’m f****** your Albanian mother.’

Marko Arnautovic has been banned for a match for insulting North Macedonia’s Ezgjan Alioski

Arnautovic’s father is Serbian and Alioski is of Albanian descent. Historic tensions exist between Serbia and both Albania and North Macedonia, sparking the animosity between Arnautovic and Austria’s Group C rivals.

Austria manager Franco Foda said: ‘He was provoked by some players of North Macedonia, so out of his emotions he over-reacted, and he admitted his mistake.

‘We support him, of course. We have achieved so much with the Austria national team and he will be back to play against Ukraine.’ 

‘Immediately after the game he excused himself and afterwards he and Alioski left each other as friends. It is important he publicly apologised and now we have to live with the verdict.

David Alaba, the Austria captain, appeared to grab Arnautovic's jaw to stop him speaking

David Alaba, the Austria captain, appeared to grab Arnautovic’s jaw to stop him speaking 

The 32-year-old posted a statement on social media to apologise and insist he is not racist

The 32-year-old posted a statement on social media to apologise and insist he is not racist 

North Macedonia wanted Arnautovic to receive the ‘severest punishment’ despite his social media apology. 

The 32-year-old insisted he was not racist, but admitted ‘heated words’ were exchanged. 

Arnautovic could have been suspended for 10 games had UEFA deemed his words racist but they instead concluded they were merely insulting.

The striker’s absence is further good news for Holland on top of the return of defender Matthijs de Ligt after he missed their 3-2 win over Ukraine with a groin problem.

Foda confirmed he was ready to start Arnautovic (right) after his cameo off the bench and late clincher in Austria’s 3-1 win in Bucharest.

Holland manager Frank de Boer said: ‘It is a shame for Austria because he is a good player. 

‘I know him from his time at FC Twente. I think they will miss him. 

‘For us it is an advantage. He came on as a substitute and made the difference right away.’