Juventus are working with police to ‘establish these accountable’ after Inter Milan’s Romelu Lukaku suffered racist abuse within the Coppa Italia semi-final first leg on Tuesday evening.
The Belgian striker obtained a second yellow card for celebrating in entrance of the house followers after changing a stoppage-time penalty to earn Inter a 1-1 attract Turin, with Lukaku then abused from the stands.
A chaotic finish to the tie on the Allianz Stadium ensued as scuffles broke out between the 2 teams of gamers, ensuing within the sending off of Inter captain Samir Handanovic and Juve midfielder Juan Cuadrado after the ultimate whistle.
An announcement from the Turin membership on Wednesday learn: “Juventus Soccer Membership, as all the time, is working with the police to establish these liable for the racist gestures and chants that passed off final evening.”
In a press release launched on Tuesday night, US sports activities company Roc Nation – which represents Lukaku – referred to as on Juventus to apologize to the striker.
“Tonight’s racist remarks in the direction of Romelu Lukaku by Juventus followers in Turin have been past contempt and can’t be accepted,” stated Roc Nation Sports activities Worldwide president Michael Yormark.
“Earlier than, throughout and after the penalty, he was subjected to hostile and disgusting racist insults. Romelu celebrated in the identical manner he celebrated objectives earlier than. The referee’s response was to award a card yellow in Romelu.
“The Italian authorities should seize this chance to battle racism, somewhat than punishing the sufferer of the abuse.”
Lukaku, on mortgage to Inter from Chelsea, was additionally the goal of offensive chants in 2019, which he condemned in a social media put up on the time.
Lukaku has scored 5 objectives in 20 appearances for Inter this season
“Historical past repeats itself… I lived it in 2019… and once more in 2023…” Lukaku stated in an Instagram put up on Wednesday.
“I hope the league will actually act for actual this time as a result of this stunning sport ought to please everybody…”
Inter additionally reiterated their stance in opposition to racism and expressed their help for Lukaku.
“We need to strongly reiterate that we stand united in opposition to racism and all types of discrimination,” a press release learn.
“Soccer and sport mustn’t solely be a spot of emotion but in addition of clear and shared values, and what we noticed final evening within the closing minutes of the semi-final Juventus vs Inter Coppa Italia in Turin doesn’t has no place in our sport.
“That’s the reason we reiterate our help, affection and solidarity to Romelu Lukaku, simply because the world of soccer has been doing in every single place because the incident.
“Keep robust Rom, we’re in your facet!”
Racism has been a long-standing downside in Italian soccer and the authorities have been criticized for not taking robust sufficient motion.
On Wednesday, Serie A launched a press release condemning racism, including: “Golf equipment, as they’ve all the time finished, will establish the culprits and ban them from their respective services for all times.”
The league didn’t title Lukaku in its assertion.
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