Marko Arnautovic given one-match ban by UEFA for 'insulting another player'

Marko Arnautovic has been banned for one game at Euro 2020 by UEFA for 'insulting another player' during Austria's victory over North Macedonia.

The former Stoke and West Ham forward netted his side's third in the 3-1 group stage victory and was visibly heated in his celebration. An ethics and disciplinary inspector inspector was later appointed to investigate the matter.

UEFA's statement reads: "The UEFA Appeals Body has decided: -To suspend Austrian Football Association player, Marko Arnautovic, for the next (1) UEFA representative team competition match for which he would be otherwise eligible, for insulting another player."

The suspension means Arnautovic will miss Thursday's clash with the Netherlands in Amsterdam, a game he may have been set to start after his goal on Sunday.

Instead, Hoffenheim's Christoph Baumgartner and Stuttgart's Sasa Kalajdzic will likely get the nod up front instead from manager Franco Foda.

Arnautovic had previously posted a message on Instagram in an attempt to clear up the controversy.

"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 on Monday.

"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."

Leeds defender Gjanni Alioski, who was seen conversing with Arnautovic during the game, spoke on the matter afterwards.

"In such matches it is normal for players to experience tension and get out of control, but the best part is when everything is finally clarified and you agree," he said. "Arnautovic and I talked after the match and clarified, as he apologised to me and came to our room and shook my hand, being very fair.

"I did not hear what he said, as the fans were celebrating, but we spoke German after the match and agreed after the match.

"It's something that happens after the match to capture the emotions in the match, but it is best when everything is clarified."