Inter Milan’s Romelu Lukaku‘s representation is demanding an apology and calling for punishment after Juventus fans appeared to hurl racist chants at the star striker during a soccer match on Tuesday.
The alleged incident happened after Lukaku scored a late penalty shot to tie it up at 1-1 against Juventus in the Coppa Italia semi-final at Allianz Stadium in Turin.
While the 29-year-old was celebrating by taunting Juventus fans with a “be quiet” hand gesture — which got him a second yellow card — they made “monkey” noises towards Lukaku … something Romelu’s reps claim was happening all match.
The alleged chants were caught on video … and you can see upset fans making noise toward the field.
Racist chants were made against Romelu Lukaku by certain Juventus fans.
(Via @linea_inter)pic.twitter.com/F5K6MSL9h8
— Get Italian Football News (@_GIFN) April 4, 2023
@_GIFN
Michael Yormark, president of Roc Nation Sports International which represents Lukaku, released a statement … saying the incident was “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.”
Yormark adds that Lukaku deserves an apology from Juventus and the league should condemn those who yelled the racist chants.
“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.”
Sadly, this isn’t the first time racist slurs have been used in soccer games … in fact, Lukaku told CNN Sport back in 2021 that racism in football is at an “all-time high.”