In the most recent claim of racism to bother Italian football, Inter Milan’s Belgium born striker Romelu Lukaku faced brutal racial abuse by fans of football club Juventus. Lukaku’s representatives claimed that he was subjected to a very “disgusting” verbal attack by a set of fans before being sent off during their tie Copa Italia semifinal tie against Juventus.
While celebrating his stoppage-time penalty which leveled the score line by a 1-1 and he got sent off after receiving a second yellow card for putting his finger to his lips in front of his home crowd in Turin. In the second leg at San Siro, both the teams will look to enter the final and Inter Milan in all regards will aim to get a win for Romelu Lukaku.
A statement from the President of Roc Nation Sports International, Michael Yormark on tonight’s incident involving Romelu Lukaku pic.twitter.com/VSrNOupwdh
— Roc Nation Sports International (@RocNationSI) April 4, 2023
On the note of the racist event at Allianz Stadium, various sports organizations around the globe condemned the act and Roc Nation Sports International president said that – “Tonight’s racist remarks made towards Romelu Lukaku by Juventus fans in Turin were beyond despicable and cannot be accepted.” – said Micheal Yormark.
#Lukaku's management company have called on #Juventus to apologise after allegations that the striker was racially abused.
— Sports News 247 (@SportStories247) April 5, 2023
He also asked Juventus Ultras to issue an apology to the Belgian International who is currently on loan with Inter from Chelsea. “The Italian authorities must use this opportunity to tackle racism, rather than punish the victim of the abuse.” – Yormark demanded.
Meanwhile, the Italian FA which backs the happening of Serie A issued a cryptic statement about the event and did not name Romelu Lukaku’s name. “A few people in the stands can’t ruin football and don’t represent all the fans at the stadium … Serie A clubs will, as they always have, be able to find the individuals responsible and ban them for life from their grounds.”
Serie A along with Juventus are going to rub shoulders while investigating the case and sanctions will be imposed to the ones found guilty. Moreover, from this season onwards Serie A decided to fine clubs and fans if they are found guilty.