Juventus vs Inter Milan: Drama As Romelu Lukaku Scores Late in Coppa Italia, Gets Racially Abused and Sent Off

Juventus vs Inter Milan: Drama As Romelu Lukaku Scores Late in Coppa Italia, Gets Racially Abused and Sent Off

Martin Moses
updated at April 12, 2023 at 8:29 PM
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  • Romelu Lukaku was reportedly racially abused by Juventus fans on Tuesday night
  • He grabbed a late equaliser for Inter Milan in the first leg of the Coppa Italia semis
  • The striker was later sent off along with Juan Cuadrado and Samir Handanovic

Three players were dramatically sent off during the Coppa Italia semi-finals between Juventus and Inter Milan on April 4 at the Allianz Stadium.

The two sides had to settle for a one-all draw after Romelu Lukaku scored a penalty late in stoppage time to cancel out Juan Cuadrado's opener.

Juventus, Inter Milan, Romelu Lukaku, Juan Cuadrado, Roc Nation, Coppa Italia
Romelu Lukaku argues with Juan Cuadrado during the Coppa Italia semi-final between Juventus and Inter Milan on April 4. Photo by Marco Bertorello.
Source: Getty Images

Drama ensued as soon as Lukaku scored, with the Belgian receiving a second yellow card for over-celebrating his goal.

A scuffle then broke out between the players, with centre referee, Davide Massa issuing further red cards to Cuadrado and Inter captain, Samir Handanovic.

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Lukaku's celebrations were met by monkey chants from fans, as reported by Sempre Inter. The Belgian's agency, Roc Nation issued a strong statement immediately after the game condemning the racist abuse their client was put through.

"Tonight’s racist remarks made towards Romelu Lukaku by Juventus fans in Turin were beyond despicable and cannot be accepted."

Interestingly, Lukaku was sent off after Massa accused him of inciting the crowd with his celebrations.

Inter Milan head coach, Simone Inzaghi called on authorities to review the incident, expressing optimism that the sending-off would be revoked.

"There will be images and I hope this yellow card will be revoked; Lukaku always celebrates like this," the manager said, as quoted by Football Italia.

The second leg is slated for next week, with the winner meeting whoever will progress in the game between Cremonese and Fiorentina.

Lukaku misses open chance

Sports Brief previously reported on Lukaku producing another embarrassing miss after he failed to find the back of the net from close range during a Serie A match this month.

The Inter Milan striker was thrown in from the start as Fiorentina came visiting at the San Siro on April 1. He lasted the entire 90 minutes as Inzaghi's men fell to a 1-0 defeat.

Perhaps the scoreline would have been different had the Chelsea loanee scored, after Alessandro Bastoni squared a pass ball to the Belgian with only the empty net in his way.

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Martin Moses
Martin Moses is a sports journalist with over five years of experience in media. He graduated from Multimedia University of Kenya (Bachelor of Journalism, 2017-2021)
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