The sporting judge in Italy has ruled that the Tribuna Sud section of Juventus’ Allianz Stadium will be closed for one game after racist chanting from the stands during the Coppa Italia semi-final against Inter on Tuesday evening. 

Monkey noises targeted towards Inter’s Romelu Lukaku were heard coming from sections of supporters during the first leg of the semi-final clash, which has since been condemned by both clubs and the league in official statements. 

The lower ring of Juve’s stadium will now be closed for their next home game, which will be the Serie A fixture against Napoli on April 23. 

“The supporters of Juventus occupying the first tier of the sector known as the ‘tribuna sud’, during the 35th and 49th minutes of the second half shouted vulgar and insulting choruses and shouts of racial discrimination against the player of Internazionale Romelu Lukaku Bolingoli.” 

Lukaku was shown a second yellow card and was subsequently sent off for his celebrations after converting a 95th minute penalty to level the tie on the night. 

However, the Serie A referee designator Gianluca Rocchi later confirmed that Lukaku was booked for his ‘provocative’ words rather than his actions in the aftermath of his dramatic late equaliser. 

There will also be sanctions handed out to a number of members of the Juve and Inter playing and coaching staff for their involvement in physical altercations that broke out in the aftermath of Lukaku’s dramatic late penalty. 

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