Lukaku Breaks Silence With Powerful Statement After Racist Abuse From Juventus Fans

Lukaku Breaks Silence With Powerful Statement After Racist Abuse From Juventus Fans

Elijah Odetokun
updated at April 12, 2023 at 8:30 PM
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  • Juventus fans racially abused Romelu Lukaku in the closing stages of the Coppa Italia game
  • The Inter Milan star was sent off for a provocative celebration after scoring in the last minute
  • A brawl broke out at the end which saw Samir Handanovic and Juan Cuadrado also sent off

The first leg of the Coppa Italia semi-final between Inter Milan and Juventus was a cracker by all standards but ended very ugly.

Both teams stretched each other out at the Allianz Stadium in Turin before the Old Lady took a late lead through Juan Cuadrado in the 83rd minute.

Belgian striker, Romelu Lukaku, who endured a tough evening due to racist chants from Juve fans, equalised from the spot in the 95th minute.

Romelu Lukaku, Inter Milan, Juventus, Turin, Allianz Stadium, Coppa Italia
Romelu Lukaku was sent off for his celebration against Juventus. Photos by Sportingfoto/Diego Puletto.
Source: Getty Images

Lukaku's joy got him into trouble with referee, Davide Massa, who sent him off for a 'provocative' celebration.

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Juan Cuadrado and Inter goalkeeper, Samir Handanovic were also sent off, as reported by Express UK.

Lukaku breaks silence after red

The Chelsea striker, on loan at Inter, took to Instagram and expressed his dissatisfaction that the incident which happened to him in 2019 had repeated itself, according to IFTV.

“History repeats itself. Been through it in 2019 and 2023 again. I hope the league really takes actions for real this time because this beautiful game should be enjoyed by everyone,” he wrote.

Cagliari fans were responsible for the 2019 incident Lukaku referenced on social media. In a similar situation to the Juve incident, he had scored from the penalty spot, according to Goal.

The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) fined the club for throwing bottles his way but not for the alleged racism, as reported by the Guardian.

Lukaku criticised by ex-Inter owner

Sports Brief also reported on former Inter Milan owner, Massimo Moratti criticising Lukaku's physical fitness and speed in his second stint in Italy.

The striker won the Scudetto in his first spell before sealing a move to Chelsea, then returning on loan after falling out with ex-coach, Thomas Tuchel.

Lukaku's future remains uncertain - Inter confirmed he would return to Stamford Bridge where a decision on his time as a Blues player will be made.

Authors
Elijah Odetokun photo
Elijah Odetokun
Elijah Odetokun is Reuters-trained journalist with three years of experience having previously worked at Daily Times Nigeria, OmaSports and El Futbolero.