STOCKHOLM – Sweden’s excitement at qualifying for Euro 2020 owing to a 2-0 win away to Romania on Friday was undermined by the racist abuse that was suffered by their main striker Alexander Isak as he replaced Marcus Berg in the 78th minute.
The game stopped briefly as per the referee’s instruction and an announcement was made over the public address system. “I heard a number of racist shouts from the stands, and I asked the referee if he heard what was happening. He hadn’t heard anything,” the 20-year-old Isak, of Eritrean descent, told Swedish radio.
“A few minutes later he stopped the game and asked. We had a small discussion, the match went on and I am OK with that, and I’m happy we won. Obviously it hurts, it’s a shame but we were prepared for it.”
Undaunted by the abuse from the stands, Isak continued to seek possession and had the ball with him as the final whistle went to confirm Sweden’s qualification as runners-up behind Spain in Group F.
Sweden travels to Stockholm on Saturday ahead of their final group game against the Faroe Islands at the Friends Arena on Monday.
(Photos syndicated via Reuters)
This story has been edited by BH staff and is published from a syndicated field.