Romelu Lukaku’s reps demand an apology from Juventus

The on-loan Chelsea striker got sent off for his post-goal celebration in the Inter-Juventus standoff.

Romelu Lukaku’s agency, Roc Nation Sports International, has said the striker was subjected to racial abuse from Juventus supporters and has urged the Italian authorities to take action.

The 29-year-old scored a 95th-minute penalty in Tuesday’s Derby d’Italia between Juventus and Inter Milan. His strike caused the first leg of their Coppa Italia semi-final tie to end in a 1-1 draw.

However, Lukaku got a second yellow card after celebrating his goal, which involved him holding a finger up to his lips in an apparent ‘shushing’ gesture to the home crowd in Turin.

A statement from the President of Roc Nation Sports International, Michael Yormark on tonight’s incident involving Romelu Lukaku pic.twitter.com/VSrNOupwdh

— Roc Nation Sports International (@RocNationSI) April 4, 2023

Roc Nation Sports International’s statement in full

“The racist remarks made towards Romelu Lukaku by Juventus fans in Turin were beyond despicable and cannot be accepted,” Roc Nation Sports International president Michael Yormark posted on Twitter.

“Romelu scored a penalty 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.”

Juventus winger Juan Cuadrado and Inter goalkeeper Samir Handanovic also saw red during injury time.