Inter Milan, an Italian Serie A club, has described Romelu Lukaku as a victim of racism who was punished for being racially abused.
The Italian Serie A giants announced this in a statement on Friday, following Lukaku’s suspension from the return leg of the Coppa Italia semi-finals at the San Siro on Wednesday, April 26.
After receiving two yellow cards in the first leg of the tie in Turin, Lukaku was barred from playing against Juventus. The second yellow card was issued after he decided to celebrate his equalizing goal in front of Juventus fans in a 1-1 tie.
While standing in front of the opposing supporters, the Belgian striker placed his finger on his lips as if telling them to “shut up,” causing an uproar among the audience.
Lukaku’s celebration style was said to be in response to racial chants directed at him by fans.
Following that, Lukaku was shown a red card, and the side of the Juventus stadium stand where the racial chants were heard was barred from hosting spectators.
Juventus successfully appealed the decision, but Inter Milan were unable to overturn Lukaku’s suspension.
Inter Milan expressed regret that Lukaku, the victim of the racial attack, “has become the only guilty party” following the failure of the appeal.
The ban is not expected to prevent Lukaku from playing in Sunday’s Italian Serie A match between Inter Milan and Empoli. The game will begin at 11:30 a.m.