Romelu Lukaku: Chelsea star sent off for racial abuse reaction

Robin Bairner

• Updated: 5 Apr 2023 10:51 BST
• 3 min read

Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku was racially abused on Tuesday during the first leg of Inter’s Coppa Italia semi-final against Juventus.

Lukaku scored an equalising penalty in a dramatic 1-1 draw. Juve took the lead with seven minutes remaining via Juan Cuadrado only for the Belgium international player to convert a stoppage-time penalty. He was subsequently shown a second yellow card and sent off for his celebration.

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He had been subject to monkey noises from the crowd as he prepared to take his kick and responded by standing on the penalty spot with his finger over his month in a ‘be quiet’ gesture. It has also been reported that he was saying ‘muto’ – the Italian for ‘shut up’ – after netting. The referee took this to be a provocative gesture and he was dismissed.

This has prompted an angry response from Inter.

“Football and sport must not only be a place for emotion but also for clear and shared values, and what we saw last night in the final minutes of the Juventus vs. Inter Coppa Italia semi-final in Turin has no place in our sport,” the Serie A side stated.

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Racist remarks ‘beyond despicable’

Lukaku’s representatives have also issued a statement protecting the player.

President of Roc Nation Sports International Michael Yormark released a formal statement.

“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.”