Manchester United youngster Anthony Elanga was subjected to alleged racist abuse by an opposing player while in action for Sweden’s Under-21 side against Italy on Tuesday.
Sweden were playing in an Under-21 European Championship qualifier in Monza. The match ended 1-1 and Elanga played the full 90 minutes. But, one of the Italian players allegedly made a racist comment towards the winger, prompting a formal complaint to the match officials and delegates.
A statement from the Sweden coach Claes Eriksson explained: “We have told our version of what happened and have submitted an oral report to both the referees and the match delegates. We are now waiting for feedback through the match report and the referee report.
“Once they have arrived, we decide how to proceed. Safety manager Martin Fredman is also informed of what has happened. No one should have to be exposed to racism, it is completely unacceptable. We all stand behind and support Anthony in this.”
19-year-old Elanga has been on the fringes of the United first team since the start of last season when he was given a chance in a pre-season friendly against Aston Villa.
He was called into the matchday squad a handful of times, before making a competitive debut against Leicester in May as a surprise starter. His first goal later came on the final day of the season in an away win over Wolves, before taking an active role in pre-season.
Elanga has twice been in the matchday squad for Champions League clashes against Young Boys and Villarreal so far this season, but his only first-team action so far has been as a substitute in the Carabao Cup. He has, however, been in fine form at Under-23 level.
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Source: 90min
