Inter have released an official statement via their club website addressing the racist abuse aimed at Romelu Lukaku during the Coppa Italia semi-final first leg against Juventus on Tuesday evening.
A number of monkey noises were heard from the stands during the 1-1 draw that unfolded at the Allianz Stadium , which have been formally condemned by Inter as a club.
In a statement released on Wednesday morning, the Nerazzurri told readers that the club wholeheartedly stands by Lukaku and issued a reminder that it stands “united against racism and all forms of discrimination.”
The statement read: “We are brothers and sisters of the world. This has been our story since 9 March 1908.
“We want to firmly reiterate that we stand united against racism and all forms of discrimination. Football and sport must be not only a vehicle of emotions but also of clear and shared values, which have nothing to do with what we saw last night in the last minutes of the Coppa Italia semi-final in Turin, Juventus-Inter.
“This is why we reiterate all our support, our affection and our solidarity with Romelu Lukaku, as the world of football is doing in many parts in these hours.
“Forza Rom, we are with you.”
Lukaku was shown a second yellow card for his celebration after converting a dramatic 95th minute penalty against the Bianconeri, prompting brawls between players and coaches to break out all over the pitch shortly afterwards.
Simone Inzaghi later stated in his post-match press conference that the club would appeal to the competition’s organisers over the decision to send Lukaku off.
As it stands, Lukaku, as well as teammate Samir Handanovic and Juve’s Juan Cuadrado are set to miss out on the second leg of the tie at San Siro due to their red cards in the aftermath of the late equaliser.