Man Utd’s Elanga subjected to racial abuse in Sweden U21s vs Italy

Anthony Elanga

admitted that he was racially abused after Sweden U21s’ battle against Italy on Tuesday.

The game came down to a 1-1 draw in the qualifier of U21 European Championship in Monza, with Lorenzo Lucca scoring the first goal before Tim Prica leveled the game.

Elanga was sent off after 72 minutes but his serious allegations of racist abuse made him the centre of attention.

The 19-year-old was subjected to racist abuse as an Italian player left him visibly distraught after the game.

The Swedish Football Association has confirmed that Elanga’s grievances has been formalised.

"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 reads.

Sweden U21s’ coach

Claes Eriksson

has promised to “stand behind” the teenager as an investigation is in progress.

“

We have told our version of what happened and have submitted a verbal report to both the referees and the match delegates,”

 Eriksson said post-match.

“Now we are waiting for feedback through the match report and the referee report. Once that has arrived, we will decide how to proceed. Security manager Martin Fredman has also been 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.”

Elanga had his debut for his country’s U21s squad in June, having played for U17 and U19, and he impressed by netting in a friendly over Finland.

He scored four goals in four games but he has met the back of the net once at the club level for

.

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