Romelu Lukaku on the receiving end of racial abuse against Juventus

Romelu Lukaku on the receiving end of racial abuse against Juventus

Romelu Lukaku on the receiving end of racial abuse against Juventus

Stephen Oladehinde 10:24 - 05.04.2023

Before getting sent off and facing racial insults from Juventus supporters, Romelu Lukaku restored parity in the Coppa Italia match against Juventus.

In the fifth minute of stoppage time, the Chelsea attacker on loan scored from the penalty spot to salvage a 1-1 draw in the first leg of the Coppa Italia semi-final match.

After scoring Inter Milan's equaliser against Juventus on Tuesday night, Romelu Lukaku was subjected to racial abuse from Juventus Fans. Afterwards, due to his celebration, he received a second yellow card and was sent off.

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Juventus fans chants racial word to Lukaku

After the Belgian attacker equalized, Juventus supporters became angry with him, leading to racial taunts.

But, before and after he took the penalty, Juventus fans behind the goal could be heard making monkey noises as well as the Italian translations of "f*** off" and "f***ing monkey."

Lukaku made a gesture with his finger to his lips after scoring the penalty, which his agents, Roc Nation Sports International, maintained was not part of his celebration.

As reported by Football Italia, Lukaku was also spotted mouthing something to the Juventus supporters. He was heard saying "muto," which interprets as "shut up."

To many people's astonishment, the referee decided to give Lukaku a second yellow card because he felt that his celebration was inappropriate. 

Roc Nation condemns fan's action

The striker's abuse from the fans was condemned by Roc Nation who have released a statement regarding the incident.

In a statement made by President Michael Yormack, he said, “Tonight's racist remarks made towards Romelu Lukaku by Juventus fans in Turin were beyond despicable and cannot be accepted.

“Romelu scored a penalty late in the game. Before, during, and after the penalty, he was subjected to hostile and disgusting racist abuse. 

“Romelu celebrated in the same manner he has previously celebrated goals. The referee's response was to award a yellow card to Romelu.

“Romelu deserves an apology from Juventus, and I expect the League to condemn the behaviour of this group of Juventus supporters immediately.

“The Italian authorities must use this opportunity to tackle racism, rather than punish the victim of the abuse. I am certain that the footballing world shares the same sentiment.”

Simeone Inzaghi, the manager of Inter Milan, expressed his optimism that Lukaku's yellow card would be overturned in a post-game interview.

Meanwhile, in other stories, Chelsea condemns fans for ‘hateful chanting’ during Liverpool draw. Chelsea's fans were heard singing about the Hillsborough tragedy which has been condemned by Chelsea.