Romelu Lukaku scores late equaliser after allegedly receiving racist abuse

During a tense game between Inter Milan and Juventus, Romelu Lukaku reportedly received racial abuse before bagging a dramatic equaliser from the spot.

The player’s representatives alleged that the prolific striker was subjected to horrific comments from opposition fans who shouted ‘monkey chants’ at him.

Controversially, after scoring the penalty to keep the side’s Coppa Italia hopes alive, the referee gave Lukaku a red card. This was over the fact that the the-29-year-old celebrated in front of the fans who had supposedly been discriminatory throughout the match.

Subsequently, tensions rose between players from both sides, with intervention needed to prevent an all-out brawl.

With scuffles continuing into the tunnel after the final whistle, Inter stars Samir Handanovic and Juan Cuadrado joined Lukaku in being sent off.

Unfortunately, this isn’t the first time the Belgian has been the victim of racism. The forward who’s on loan from Chelsea suffered racist abuse during his first stint in Italy.

YouTube video

In September 2019, he claimed football “was going backwards” after being abused based on the colour of his skin by Cagliari supporters.

The club were later cleared of racist chanting, with Piara Powar – chief of anti-discriminatory body Fare – saying that the disciplinary systems to combat racial abuse in the Italian game were “not fit for purpose.”

In September 2021, Lukaku alleged that racism in football was at an “all-time high” and that players, football authorities and social media companies have a duty to tackle the issue.

Furthermore, in January, Serie A opened an investigation after allegations were made against Napoli fans for racially abusing the striker.

On the same day, Lazio were told to close part of their ground after their fans racially abused Lecce players, Samuel Umtiti and Lameck Banda.

Read: Romelu Lukaku can still deliver at Chelsea according to Glen Johnson (sporf.com)

Featured Image Credit: Getty

Verified by MonsterInsights