Romelu Lukaku ‘subjected to racist chanting’ after scoring a penalty for Inter Milan against Juventus

Romelu Lukaku was on the receiving end of vicious racist abuse when he scored Inter Milan’s equalizer against their bitter rivals Juventus on Tuesday night – before shockingly receiving a second yellow card for his celebration.

The Belgian on loan from Chelsea scored from the penalty spot in the fifth minute of stoppage time to save a 1-1 draw in the first leg of the Coppa Italia semi-final.

Monkey noises heard from Juventus supporters behind the goal before and after he took the penalty.

After scoring the equalizing goal, Lukaku put his finger to his lips in front of the Juventus supporters and was seen saying something to the fans behind the goal. The referee found his feast provocative and therefore sent the Belgian striker off the field.

Roc Nation Sports International, representing Lukaku, released a statement condemning fans’ “despicable” racist slurs against the striker, saying he was sent off “to punish the victim of abuse”.

After blocking the penalty, Lukaku celebrated by holding his finger to his mouth in the direction of Juventus fans – although his reps said this is a normal celebration

However, Lukaku could be seen muttering something in the direction of the Juventus supporters

Lukaku was then shown a second yellow card by referee Davide Massa for his celebration

It was also argued that Lukaku’s ‘sst’ celebration is something he normally does.

Roc Nation Sports International Chairman Michael Yormark said in the statement on social media: “Tonight’s racist comments against Romelu Lukaku by Juventus fans in Turin were beyond reprehensible and cannot be accepted.

Romelu scored a penalty late in the match. Before, during and after the penalty, he was subjected to hostile and disgusting racist abuse.

Romelu celebrated in the same way he celebrated goals before. The referee’s answer was to award Romelu a yellow card.

Romelu deserves an apology from Juventus and I expect the League to immediately condemn the behavior of this group of Juventus supporters.

“Italian authorities should take this opportunity to address racism, rather than punish the victim of the abuse.

“I’m sure the football world shares the same feeling.”

Roc Nation has condemned the ‘despicable’ chant against their player Lukaku

Lukaku and Juan Cuadrado both exchanged words in the wake of Lukaku’s red card

The hired Chelsea striker was visibly frustrated as he left the pitch

After what had been a largely uneventful game, things turned tense after Juan Cuadrado’s goal was canceled out by Lukaku in the 83rd minute.

Football Italy reports that Lukaku uttered the phrase ‘muto’ to the Juventus supporters after his goal – which is said to be an Italian way of telling someone to ‘shut up’.

Following the Belgian’s red card for a second yellow card, he found himself embroiled in a shoving match with Juventus scorer Cuadrado.

Cuadrado then became embroiled in another dispute with Inter Milan goalkeeper Samir Handanovic after the final whistle, which resulted in both men also receiving red cards.

Players from both teams became involved and the situation threatened to degenerate into a scuffle between players in the colors of Inter Milan and Juventus.

Inter Milan boss Simeone Inzaghi said he hoped Lukaku’s yellow card would be revoked.

After the final whistle, Cuadrado and Inter goalkeeper Samir Handanovic were both sent off after a scuffle

Inzaghi pointed out how Ademola had Lookman withdrawn a yellow card after the Atlanta striker was bizarrely booked for his signature spectacle feast in a match against Udinese in October.

“There will be images and I hope that this yellow card is withdrawn, as it has been [Ademola] Lookman, Lukaku is always so partying,” Inzaghi objected.

“The boy was misunderstood, he got a second yellow card and was sent off. The ending was not fun. Now I just think I lost Lukaku and Samir Handanovic for the second leg, two important players for us.’

Juventus boss Max Allegri said of the chaotic ending: “I don’t know what happened at the end of the game because after the penalty kick it was all over. It seemed strange to me that nothing had happened during the game.’

The situation calmed down at the end of the game, but they will meet again in the second leg on April 26 in San Siro.