FIFA President Gianni Infantino reiterates that there is ‘no place for racism and discrimination in football’ after Inter striker Romelu Lukaku was targeted by some Juventus fans last night.
Romelu Lukaku was racially abused by a group of Juventus fans on Tuesday night in the first leg of the Coppa Italia semi-finals.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino released a statement on Wednesday, condemning racist supporters and insisting regular fans, clubs and football institutions must take action to tackle the issue.
“In football, there is no place for racism or any other form of discrimination,” he said in an official statement.
“It was simply unacceptable to see insults towards Inter striker Romelu Lukaku during the Coppa Italia game against Juventus in Turin on April 4.
“FIFA and I are close to Lukaku and any other player, coach, match official, player and any other person involved in a football game victim of racism or any other form of discrimination.
“All authorities must severely punish victims of these abuses,” Infantino continued.
“I repeat the appeal I launched at the beginning of the year, hoping for fans to make their voice heard, silencing racists. At the same time, in football, we must guarantee the application of severe sporting sanctions to deal with similar incidents.
“Once and for all: no to racism and any form of discrimination.”
Many players showed their support for Lukaku on social media on Wednesday, replying to his first Instagram post after the incidents occurred at the Allianz Stadium in Turin.
Lukaku scored a late equaliser from the spot and was sent off as his celebration under Juventus’ Curva Sud was considered provocatory for the opposition fans.
The Chelsea loanee has scored six goals in 21 appearances across all competitions this season.
Both Juventus and Inter released statements n Wednesday, condemning those responsible for racial abuse on Lukaku.