Watch: Romelu Lukaku sent off for responding to racist insults from Juventus fans after goal

Romelu Lukaku pointed to the crowd in Turin after scoring a goal. Photo: Getty Images/Valerio Pennicino

Romelu Lukaku called on Italians to act. authorities after «history repeated» when he was racially abused by Juventus fans before being sent off for celebrating in front of them.

The Inter Milan striker, on loan from Chelsea, was subjected to a monkey chant before scoring the equalizer in the first leg of the Coppa Italia in Turin. He was then shown a second yellow card for congratulating the Juventus fans, a salute with a silence gesture he also performed while on international duty with Belgium.

Michael Jormark, president of Lukaku&#39 Representatives from Roc Nation Sports International said the insult was «beyond contempt» and insisted that his client celebrate as usual.

“History repeats itself,” Lukaku wrote on his Instagram feed. “Went through it in 2019… and again in 2023. I hope the league really takes some real action this time around because this great game should be enjoyed by everyone… Thank you for the messages of support. Fuck racism.”

Lukaku converted his penalty in the 95th minute, sparking a brawl between the players and red cards for Inter captain Samir Handanovic and Juventus' Juan Cuadrado as they continued down the tunnel.

As for the racist chants, Juventus said they would work with the police to identify those responsible, while Serie A condemned racism without citing the flashpoint.

Lukaku with a big goal! ⚫🔵

Inter's Belgian striker scores a late penalty to equalize 🎯

Then as the tension builds, he along with many others gets red cards for a few bizarre minutes 🟥< br>
Ugly scenes at the end! 😱#CoppaItalia pic.twitter.com/gwRogQtHCQ

— Viaplay Sports UK (@ViaplaySportsUK) April 4, 2023

Jormark condemned the incident, adding in a statement: “The racist remarks made against Romelu Lukaku by Juventus fans in Turin were more than disgusting and unacceptable.

"Romelu converted a penalty at the end of the game. Before, during and after penalties, he was subjected to hostile and disgusting racist insults.

"Romelu celebrated just like he used to celebrate goals. In response, the referee awarded Romelu a yellow card.

&#34 Romelu deserves an apology from Juventus and I expect the league to immediately condemn the behavior of this group of Juventus fans.

"The Italian authorities should use this opportunity to fight racism, not to punish the victim of violence"

Lukaku, who returned to Inter on loan from « Chelsea last summer suffered racist abuse during his first spell at Inter between 2019 and 2021. He stated that racism in football is at an «unprecedented level». and that players, football authorities and social media can do more to address this issue.