Romelu Lukaku targeted with monkey chants as he scores Inter’s equaliser at Juventus before being SENT OFF for celebration… as Roc Nation urge Italian authorities not to ‘punish victims of abuse’
- Inter Milan’s Coppa Italia clash with Juventus descended into chaos late on
- Romelu Lukaku was sent off just moments after scoring a stoppage time penalty
- His representatives have now reported he was subject to racist abuse from fans
Romelu Lukaku was on the receiving end of vile racist abuse as he scored Inter Milan’s equaliser against their bitter rivals Juventus on Tuesday night – before being shockingly shown a second yellow card for his celebration.
The Belgian who is on loan from Chelsea, netted from the penalty spot in the fifth minute of stoppage time, salvaging a 1-1 draw in the first leg of the Coppa Italia semi-final clash.
Monkey noises though were heard coming from Juventus supporters behind the goal before and after he took the penalty, as well as the Italian equivalent chants of ‘f*** off’ and ‘f***ing monkey’.
After netting the penalty, Lukaku put his finger to his lips which his representatives Roc Nation Sports International insisted was a normal part of his celebration. Lukaku was also seen mouthing something towards the Juventus fans, with Football Italia reporting him to say ‘muto’ – an Italian equivalent of telling someone to shut up.
To the surprise of many, the referee decided to dish out a second yellow card to Lukaku believing this his celebration was provocative.
Monkey noises were reportedly heard from Juventus fans as Romelu Lukaku took his penalty
After tucking away the penalty, Lukaku celebrated by putting his finger to his mouth in the direction of Juventus fans – though his representatives said this is a normal celebration
Lukaku though could be seen mouthing something in the direction of the Juventus supporters
Lukaku was then shown a second yellow card by referee Davide Massa for his celebrations
Roc Nation in a statement have condemned the ‘despicable’ racist insults from fans against the striker, saying he was sent off ‘to punish the victim of abuse’.
The statement made by president Michael Yormack 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.’
Roc Nation have condemned the ‘despicable’ chanting towards their player Lukaku
Lukaku and Juan Cuadrado both exchanged words in the aftermath of Lukaku’s red card
The on-loan striker from Chelsea was visibly frustrated as he walked off the pitch
After what had largely been an uneventful match, things heated up after Juan Cuadrado’s 83rd minute goal was cancelled out by Lukaku.
Following the Belgian’s red card for a second yellow, he was then involved in a shoving match with Juventus scorer Cuadrado.
Cuadrado was then involved in another dispute after the final whistle with Inter Milan keeper Samir Handanovic – which led to both men also receiving red cards.
Players from both teams got involved the situation threatened to turn into a scuffle between those in Inter Milan and Juventus colours.
Inter Milan boss Simeone Inzaghi said that he hoped Lukaku’s yellow card would be rescinded.
After the final whistle, Cuadrado and Inter keeper Samir Handanovic were both sent off following a scuffle
Inzaghi pointed out how Ademola Lookman had a yellow card rescinded after the Atlanta forward was bizarrely booked for his trademark glasses celebration in a game against Udinese back in October.
‘There will be images and I hope this yellow card will be revoked, as it happened with [Ademola] Lookman, Lukaku always celebrates like this,’ argued Inzaghi.
‘The lad was misunderstood, he received a second yellow card and was sent off. The end wasn’t nice. Now I only think that I’ve lost Lukaku and Samir Handanovic for the second leg, two important players for us.’
Juventus boss Max Allegri said about the chaotic ending: ‘I don’t know what happened at the end of the game, because after the penalty kick, it was all over. It seemed strange to me that nothing had happened during the game.’
The situation at the end of the match calmed down, but they are due to meet again in the second leg on April 26 at the San Siro.
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