Chelsea ’s Romelu Lukaku was among three players to be sent off as Inter Milan ’s farcical Coppa Italia showdown with Juventus was marred by yet more racist chanting from supporters.
The Belgian striker, 29, was at the heart of things for the Italian giants as they earned a 1-1 draw late on on Tuesday evening. Fellow Chelsea flop Juan Cuadrado had given Juve the lead in the 83rd-minute of the two-legged semi-final in Turin.
Lukaku had initially started on the bench for his loan club but still had enough time to have an impact. Following a handball by Brazilian defender Gleison Bremer in the closing stages, Inter were awarded a penalty that was confidently dispatched by the on-loan Chelsea man to secure a draw.
After finding the back of the net for his sixth goal of the season, Lukaku elected to shush the Juventus fans as he put his finger to his lips and saluted. That did not go down particularly well with the referee.
Having already awarded the striker with a yellow card earlier in the match, he then produced another caution for ‘excessive celebration’, which saw the striker dismissed. Lukaku’s celebration came in the aftermath of alleged racist chanting from the home support.
A statement from his representatives Roc Nation shortly after the match read: “Tonight’s racist remarks made towards Romelu Lukaku by Juventus fans in Turin were beyond despicable and cannot be accepted.
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“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. The referee’s response was to award a yellow card to Romelu.
“Romelu deserves an apology from Juventus, and I expect the League to condemn the behaviour of this group of Juventus supporters immediately. 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.”
Lukaku was not the only player to have been sent off as the referee lost control after the full-time whistle. His Inter Milan teammate Sami Handanovic was awarded a straight red card for his part in a scuffle with Juventus’ goalscorer Cuadrado.
The former Chelsea man was also dismissed following the showdown as the furious disagreements continued into the tunnel at the Juventus Stadium. The second-leg of the Coppa Italia takes place later this month at the San Siro.
Inter are the current holders of the trophy having ironically beaten Derby d'Italia rivals Juventus in the final last season. They won a thrilling clash at the Stadio Olimpico back in May.
Now Tottenham star Ivan Perisic scored an extra-time brace as Inter won 4-2 for their eighth Coppa Italian success.
