(Rome) Inter Milan striker Romelu Lukaku was the target of ‘racist insults’ from Juventus fans on Tuesday night in the Coppa Italia semi-final first leg (1-1) , denounced his communication agency.
The Italian Serie A League also stressed in a statement that it “strongly condemns any episode of racism and any form of discrimination”.
On Tuesday evening, the Belgian international equalized during added time on the penalty spot but was sent off in stride, for a second warning, after celebrating his goal in front of the Juve supporters’ stand, his finger on his mouth.
“Racist remarks towards Romelu Lukaku from Juventus supporters are more than despicable and cannot be accepted,” said Michael Yormark, president of Roc Nation Sports International, a sports management agency managing the interests of ” Big Rome”.
“Before, during and after the penalty, he was the victim of hostile and sickening racist insults. He celebrated the same way he had already celebrated goals, ”he added in this text published on social networks.
“Romelu deserves an apology from Juventus […]. The Italian authorities must use this opportunity to fight racism, rather than punishing the victim,” he concluded.
On a video circulating on social networks and taken up by several Italian media, we hear racist cries from Juve supporters.
In its statement, the Italian League called for “taking the racists out of the stadiums”.
“A few characters present in the stands cannot spoil the spectacle of football and do not represent the ideas of all the supporters and enthusiasts present at the stadium”, underlines the body, ensuring that the clubs “will be able to identify the culprits, excluding them at life of their stadiums”.
“No to racism”, for its part posted the Belgian team on its Twitter account, with a photo of its striker celebrating a goal for the Red Devils.
In September 2021, AC Milan and France goalkeeper Mike Maignan was the target of racist abuse during a match in Turin against Juventus.
Racist or anti-Semitic incidents are legion in Italian stadiums. On Tuesday, Lazio Rome and AS Roma were sanctioned for recent behavior by their supporters, during the derby in March for the Laziali and against Sampdoria on Sunday for the Giallorossi.