Anthony Elanga admits to being a victim of racism

DBasia.news – Manchester United winger Anthony Elanga while playing for the Sweden U-21 national team admitted to being the victim of racist abuse by one of the Italy U-21 national team players.

Italy U-21 did host Sweden U-21 at Monza, Wednesday (13/10) am WIB. This match was very crucial as they fight for the top position of the standings.

Italy, which acted as the host, insisted on winning. That’s the only way Paolo Nicolato’s team can be the best in Group F.

Italy’s ambition to reach full points almost happened when Lorenzo Lucca broke the deadlock in the 42nd minute. This score can be maintained until normal time ends.

Unfortunately, luck seemed to be more in favor of Sweden’s U-21. Prica’s team brought the visitors to equal in injury time.

Elanga himself appeared in full in this match. He was placed on the left wing.

Elanga went a little too far when celebrating Prica’s goal. This earned him a yellow card from the referee.

This also seems to trigger the anger of the Italian players. One of them was claimed to have said racist remarks to Elanga shortly after the long whistle.

The situation was heated after the match even to the stadium hall. The Swedish football federation has also given an official report regarding the racial attack on Elanga.

“In relation to the European U-21 national team’s qualifier against Italy in Monza on Tuesday, Anthony Elanga has stated after the match that he has been the target of racist comments from opponents in the Italy U-21 national team,” read a statement from the Swedish football federation.

So far there are no key witnesses on who can prove Elanga’s confession. However, the Sweden U-21 squad is ready to fully support him so that this case can be resolved.

“We have told our version of what happened and have submitted a verbal report to the referee and the match delegate. Now we are waiting for feedback via the match report and referee report,” said Sweden U-21 coach, Claes Eriksson.

“No one should be exposed to racism, it’s totally unacceptable. We all stand behind and support Anthony in this.”

Despite being Swedish, Elanga has African ancestry. His father, Joseph Elanga, was a former Cameroon national team player.

So far, the name of the Italian U-21 player who is suspected of being the perpetrator is unknown. However, this case has certainly tarnished the image of European football which has not succeeded in eradicating racism.