Anthony Elanga was subjected to alleged racist abuse in Sweden under the age of 21
Manchester United forward Anthony Elanga is said to have been racistly beaten by an opponent when he played for Sweden U21-year-olds this week, his country’s football association has said.
The alleged incident took place during Sweden’s 1-1 draw against Italy in a European Championship qualifier in U21 in Monza on Tuesday. Elanga, 19, played a full 90 minutes and complained after the match.
The Italian Football Federation has rejected the allegation and requested clarification from the European governing body UEFA.
A statement on the Swedish FA’s official website stated: “In connection with the U21 national team’s European Championship qualifier against Italy in Monza on Tuesday, Anthony Elanga has stated after the match that he has been subjected to a racist comment from an opponent in the Italian U21 national team. ”
Sweden’s U21 manager, Claes Eriksson, said: “We have told about our version of what happened and have sent an oral report to both the referees and the match delegates.
“We are now waiting for feedback through the match report and the referee’s report. Once they have arrived, we decide how to proceed.
“No one should have to be exposed to racism, it is completely unacceptable. We are all behind and support Anthony in this. ”
The match ended in a dramatic way when Sweden took a stoppage time equalizer through Tim Prica.
The Italian Federation (FIGC) insists that nothing of a racist nature has occurred at any time.
A statement said: “In relation to what was reported by the Swedish Football Association on its website and recorded by certain media, FIGC denies in the absolute way that a football player in the U-21 national team, during the Italy-Sweden match played in Monza , expressed racist sloppiness towards an opponent, an incident which, as far as we know, was not noticed by the match officials or the UEFA delegates.
“We hope that the governing bodies will quickly clarify the case. From TV pictures that were broadcast yesterday and are still available, after the equalizer, in the 92nd minute, two Swedish players celebrate the goal for a long time and are urged by Italian football players to quickly resume the game.
“We repeat that no racist crime occurred earlier, at that time or later, and FIGC will protect its and the players’ image.
“At the same time, the FIGC reaffirms the constant commitment made by all Italian football, and in particular the national team, through many initiatives to combat racism and once again condemns any discriminatory insult or episode of violence.”
UEFA has been contacted for news agency PA.
Elanga has made three senior appearances for United and scored in a 2-1 win over Wolves on the final day of last season.