Inter Milan forward Romelu Lukaku was racially abused during their Coppa Italia game against Juventus. After converting a stoppage-time penalty to win Inter a 1-1 draw in Turin, Belgium forward Lukaku was issued a second yellow card for his celebrations in front of the home crowd, with Lukaku then exposed to insults from the stands. Scuffles broke out between both sets of players at the Allianz Stadium, resulting in Inter captain Samir Handanovic and Juve midfielder Juan Cuadrado being sent out after the final whistle.
“As always, Juventus Football Club is working with the police to identify individuals guilty for the racist gestures and chanting that occurred last night,” the club said in a statement after Inter Milan forward Romelu Lukaku was allegedly racially abused.
“The racist insults made by Juventus fans in Turin tonight against Romelu Lukaku were beyond vile and cannot be tolerated,” Roc Nation Sports International president Michael Yormark said. “He was treated to aggressive and vile racist remarks before, during, and after the sentencing. Romelu celebrated goals in the same way he has previously. The referee’s response was to show Romelu a yellow card. Rather than punishing the victim of the attack, the Italian authorities should seize this chance to address racism.”
In 2019, Lukaku, who was on loan from Chelsea, was the focus of insulting chants, which he rejected in a social media post at the time. Inter also stated their opposition to racism and their support for Lukaku. Racism has long been a problem in Italian football, and officials have been chastised for failing to take strong enough action.
“Clubs will identify the guilty individuals and ban them from their own facilities for life, as they have always done,” the Serie A said in a statement.
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