MARKO’S APOLOGY ON RANT AT FANS

MARKO ARNAUTOVIC has apologised for his angry reaction towards North Macedonia fans after scoring for Austria in the 3-1 win over the European Championship debutants.

But the former West Ham and Stoke forward, whose father is Serbian, denied he had used racist language in the outburst.

Arnautovic came on as a second-half substitute and appeared furious as he celebrated his goal on Sunday.

Austria captain David Alaba stepped in to try to calm him down (above).

Some reports claimed the 32-yearold’s anger was also directed at North Macedonia’s Egzon Bejtulai and Gjanni Alioski, both of whom have Albanian roots.

“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,” Arnautovic said on Instagram.

“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.”

Serbia does not recognise the independence of its former province Kosovo, while there is historic tension between Serbia and North Macedonia.

Austria’s next match is against Holland on Thursday in Amsterdam.