Inter striker Romelu Lukaku believes that FIGC’s decision to overturn his Coppa Italia ban proves there is a ‘desire to fight racism.’
The Belgian forward will be available for the Coppa Italia second leg against Juventus next week after FIGC decided to cancel a one-match ban.
Lukaku had been sent off in the first leg in Turin on April 4, receiving a second yellow card for a celebration that was seen as provocatory to the home crowd. However, the majority of the 5.000 Juventus fans in Curva Sud had targeted Lukaku with racist insults, so the Belgian striker replied with his usual goal celebration.
Inter had appealed against the red card, but it was rejected earlier this week, causing outrage in Italy, especially considering that Juventus’ had won their appeal to have the Curva Sud open against Napoli. With these two verdicts, Lukaku would have been the ‘only victim and guilty party’ as highlighted by Inter in an official statement on Friday.
Lukaku has now broken his silence, releasing a brief statement to the Italian agency ANSA: “I am really happy for this decision taken by FIGC President who has proven great sensibility,” he said.
“I believe that thanks to his intervention, justice has been made, giving a signal to the world of sport and not only. It was proved that there is a desire to fight racism.”