Romelu Lukaku was the target of racist abuse by Juventus fans on Tuesday night during the Italian Cup semi-final between Juventus and Inter Milan in Turin, his communications agency has said.
The Red Devil equalised in stoppage time from the penalty spot to make it 1-1, but was later sent off for a second yellow card after celebrating in front of the Juventus supporters with a finger over his mouth.
“Tonight's racist remarks made towards Romelu Lukaku by Juventus fans are beyond despicable and cannot be accepted,” Michael Yormark, head of Roc Nation Sports International, the sports management agency managing Lukaku, said in a statement.
“Before, during and after the penalty he was subjected to hostile and sickening racist abuse. He celebrated in the same way he has celebrated goals before. Romelu deserves an apology from Juventus. The Italian authorities should use this opportunity to fight racism, rather than punishing the victim,” he added.
Credit: Belga
Inter coach Simone Inzaghi did not make a note of the insults aimed at Lukaku, but according to the Italian sports newspaper the Gazzetta dello Sport, several videos posted on social networks confirm racist insults towards the Belgian striker.
In September 2021, AC Milan and France goalkeeper Mike Maignan was the target of racist insults during another match in Turin against Juventus.
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Racist or anti-Semitic incidents are common in Italian stadiums. On Tuesday, Lazio and AS Roma were sanctioned for the recent behaviour of their fans during the derby in March.
