Romania vs Sweden halted as Alexander Isak suffers racist abuse by fans in European Qualifier
Isak: “I don’t let things like that affect me in that way. It’s better to ignore it… [but] it’s extremely sad that these things happen.”
Sweden and Romania’s European Qualifier was suspended after Alexander Isak suffered racist abuse by home fans in Bucharest
Sweden striker Alexander Isak was subjected to racist abuse by Romania fans during a European Qualifier on Friday night.
Isak came off the bench for Sweden in the 77th minute of his side’s 2-0 win, and the game was halted about two minutes later after the 20-year-old complained to Italian referee Daniele Orsato about the abuse.
Play was allowed to continue after around 90 seconds after those in the stadium were warned of their conduct.
Isak, whose parents are from Eritrea, told Swedish media: “Of course it’s sad, but at the same time we were prepared that these things could happen, even though that doesn’t really help.
“I think I was able to handle it in a good way and the support from my team-mates was incredible. We did good and it’s extremely sad that these things happen, but what shall we do?
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Isak was the target of abuse during Sweden’s win over Romania
“I asked [the referee] if he heard it and after a couple of minutes he stopped the game. Some minutes later they heard something more and he said that he will cancel the game if it happens again.
“Then I told him he didn’t have to. And he said that it was up to me.
“There were some racist jeers, things that shouldn’t be found. It’s very sad, but apart from that the emotions are incredible. We are through and will enjoy tonight.”
He added: “I don’t let things like that affect me in that way. It’s better to ignore it. There will always be idiots around, it’s better not to give them the attention they are looking for.”
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The Real Sociedad forward finished the game and led the celebrations in front of the Romanian supporters.
The incident means Romania could face a third UEFA charge for racism in this qualifying campaign.
Their previous home game against Norway was ordered to be played behind closed doors. They could now face a points deduction or expulsion from the tournament.
The victory secured Sweden’s progression to Euro 2020 with a match to spare, ending Romania’s chances of qualifying from the group.
Asked about the game being stopped, Sweden coach Janne Anderson said: “For me, I’m a football coach. We have a referee, we have some rules that we have to follow and the referee followed it, so he stopped the game once.
“I don’t know why because I didn’t hear anything. Probably had he heard something, he would have talked about it.
“So for me of course if there’s any racism at all, stop the game. That’s the rules and that’s what we prepare the players for. It’s what happened once and I think it’s sad that it happens.”
