Man Utd’s Anthony Elanga alleges racist abuse after Sweden’s U-21s game against Italy
Manchester United teenager Anthony Elanga has claimed that he was subjected to racist abuse after Sweden U21-year-olds hit Italy on Tuesday.
Sweden and Italy drew 1-1 in the U21 qualifier in Monza, where Lorenzo Lucca opened the scoring for the home team before Tim Prica took a late equalizer.
Elanga was sent off after 72 minutes, but was at the center of an incident between both teams after the final whistle that has led to him making serious allegations against an opponent.
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What happened?
Elanga has claimed that he was a victim of racist abuse, after being visibly upset about something an Italian player said to him after the match.
The 19-year-old was pulled away by the referee but both players were seen engaged in animated discussions as they went down the tunnel and into their respective locker rooms.
What has been said?
The Swedish Football Association has released a statement confirming that Elanga formalized her complaints after the ugly scenes.
“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,” the statement said.
Claes Eriksson, coach of Sweden’s U21s, has promised that the entire squad will “stand behind” Elanga when an investigation into the alleged abuse continues.
“We have told about our version of what happened and have sent an oral report to both the referees and the match delegates,” Eriksson said after the match.
“Now we are waiting for feedback through the match report and the referee report. Once it has arrived, we will decide how to proceed. Security chief Martin Fredman has also been informed of what has happened.
“No one should have to be exposed to racism, it is completely unacceptable. We are all behind and support Anthony in this. ”
Elanga’s career record
Elanga made his debut for Sweden’s U21 team already in June after having previously represented his country at both U17 and U19 level, and he marked the opportunity by scoring a goal in a friendly victory over Finland.
The teenage player has since increased the number to four goals in four games, while at club level he has done once in his first three senior exits for United.