‘Lukaku deserves an apology’ – Agency asks after Inter Milan star suffered racist chants

FOOTBALL ‘Lukaku deserves an apology’ – Agency asks after Inter Milan star suffered racist chants

Kiplagat Sang • 14:12 - 05.04.2023

He also received a sending off after scoring a late equalizer against Juventus.

Romelu Lukaku's agency Roc Nation Sports has issued a stern statement asking Italian football authorities to tackle racism and not push victims.

The Belgian was allegedly subjected to racist chants following his Coppa Italia equalizer for Inter Milan against Juventus on Tuesday night.

The Chelsea forward, who is on loan at the Serie A club, was shown a second yellow for his celebration. His penalty came in the fifth minute of added time, and he salvaged a 1-1 draw in the semi-final first leg for his club.

Monkey noises were heard coming from the Juventus supporters, especially behind the goal after Lukaku scored. The Italian equivalent chants of 'f*** off' and 'f***ing monkey' were also heard.

After finding the back of the net from the spot, Lukaku put his finger on his mouth, and Roc Nation Sports defended the celebration style, saying the star has always conducted such celebrations before.

Football Italia also reported that Lukaku told the Juventus fans ‘muto’ which is the Italian equivalent of ‘shut up’.

Surprisingly, Lukaku was sent off as the referee deemed the celebration provocative.

"Tonight's [Tuesday's] racist remarks made towards Romelu Lukaku by Juventus fans in Turin were beyond despicable and cannot be accepted," Roc Nation Sports President Michael Yormack said.

"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 agency further asked for an apology from football authorities; "The Italian authorities must use this opportunity to tackle racism, rather than punish the victim of the abuse.

"I am certain that the football world shares the same sentiment."

Lukaku was involved in a shoving match with Juan Cuadrado – who scored a Juventus goal in the 83rd minute and was also sent off – after he was shown the second yellow card.