Arnie keeps armband after 3am controversy

Arnie – missed chances!

Marko Arnautovic will continue to represent Austria as team captain despite calls for the armband to be removed after he was pictured with Edin Dzeko following Austria’s 1-0 loss to Bosnia last month.

Martko was snapped at 3am, and it led to a controversy, with Austria boss Franco Foda quoted as saying: “After the game, as usual, there was a medical check-up for all players, if everyone is fit, that’s the rule.

After that, one or two players were dismissed, as some were to travel back in the morning. This includes Marko Arnautovic. I believe that his flight departed from Sarajevo at 7am.

“He did not go back to the hotel with us, like one or two others. In that sense, it was no longer my responsibility. 

“He’s old enough, grown up, has kids, and he knows what he’s doing. Everything else you have to ask him.”

Now Laola1 have reported on the statement released by OFB regarding Arnautovic’s future as captain: “The decision on the team captain is taken exclusively by the team leader. The executives are behind his decision and the entire squad, especially for Marko Arnautovic, who for 10 years has given everything for the Austrian national team.”

It now looks certain Arnautovic will lead out his country when Austria take on Northern Ireland on Friday night, followed by their clash with Denmark next week.

 

About Hugh5outhon1895

Hugh Southon is a lifelong Iron and the founding editor of ClaretandHugh. He is a national newspaper journalist of many years experience and was Bobby Moore's 'ghost' writer during the great man's lifetime. He describes ClaretandHugh as "the Hammers daily newspaper!" Follow on Twitter @hughsouthon