Inter have decided to appeal Lukaku's Coppa Italia ban but are unlikely to succeed after Ademola Lookman suffered a similar fate earlier in the season
Inter have decided to appeal striker Romelu Lukaku suspension after the Belgian forward received a one-match ban following a red card during their Coppa Italia semifinal first leg against Juventus.
Lukaku sent off in racism fuelled incident against Juventus
Lukaku was sent off against Juventus after receiving a second yellow card for what referee Davide Massa considered a provocative celebration following the Belgian’s stoppage-time equaliser at the Allianz stadium in Turin.
Lukaku’s routine celebration of a finger over his lip and a salute was considered a source of provocation to the Juventus fans who had been hurling racial taunts at him before, during and after his successful penalty, and the Inter man was given his marching orders.
In the ensuing melee, Juventus’ Juan Cuadrado and Inter’s Samir Handanovic were also sent off as the match ended on a heated note.
In the aftermath of the incident, Juventus were also issued a partial stadium ban for one match due to the racist taunts that their fans unleashed on Lukaku which will only take effect during their first Coppa Italia game for the 2023/24 season.
Inter appeal Lukaku ban with low expectations of success
Inter have now decided to put in an appeal against Lukaku’s sending-off, which will currently rule him out of the semifinal second leg coming up on the 26th of April.
They hope that he will be allowed to take part in the Coppa Italia game with the game hanging in the balance, but precedents show that it is unlikely that they will be successful with the appeal.
Earlier this season, Atalanta’s Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman was also booked when he was accused of riling up the opposition supporters when he scored and performed his trademark celebration of cupping his hands to form binoculars, portraying his name “Lookman” against Udinese.
Atalanta appealed the yellow card but their appeal was unsuccessful, and this is expected to be the case with Lukaku as well.
Related content
11:16 - 17.04.2023
Romelu Lukaku set to return to Chelsea after Inter loan
Inter Milan and Romelu Lukaku are set to part ways this summer as the club prefers that the Belgian returns to Chelsea when his loan is complete
20:51 - 13.04.2023
THROWBACK Birth of an icon: Reliving Obafemi Martins' breakout year at Inter
Throwback is a series that looks back on a major event in sporting history. This week's edition focuses on former Nigeria international Obafemi Martins' 2002/03 season, his first in senior club football
19:47 - 11.04.2023
As it happened: Benfica hand Inter advantage as they fall to a 0-2 defeat in Champions League quarter final first-leg
Benfica have been left with all to do in the second leg following their defeat against Inter in the 2022/23 Champions League quarter-final first-leg tie
19:49 - 10.04.2023
Inter Milan goalkeeper Andre Onana believes they can win the Champions League
Andre Onana feels that the Nerazzurri can aim to win the Champions League this season as they face Benfica in the quarter-final.
17:14 - 09.04.2023
Manchester City eye Inter Milan star
Manchester City have reportedly marked Inter Milan star as replacement for Aymeric Laporte.
20:37 - 06.04.2023
Juventus face ban after Lukaku racist incident
Serie A giants Juventus could have part of their stadium closed after the racist incident involving Lukaku
18:00 - 05.04.2023
Mbappe supports Lukaku, takes stance against racism
Kylian Mbappe speaks out against Racism as he took to the support of Romelu Lukaku.