Romelu Lukaku’s suspension has been overturned in exceptional circumstances by FIGC President Gabriele Gravina after being sent off in the Coppa Italia semi-final against Juventus.
The Belgian was controversially sent off at the Allianz Stadium after slotting home a penalty deep into injury time, before being shown a yellow card for celebrating in what was considered by the referee to be a ‘provocative manner’.
Lukaku lifted his finger to his mouth and covered his ear, which he has done after scoring in several games prior to the Coppa Italia clash.
The Chelsea loanee was also subject to racist abuse from certain individuals in the stands in Turin, before and after the penalty was taken.
Inter later appealed the decision to send Lukaku off, hopeful that he would be available for selection for the return leg at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on Wednesday evening.
However, the Court of Appeal in Italy initially rejected the Nerazzurri’s appeal and the suspension was originally upheld.
On Saturday evening, the FIGC confirmed that Lukaku’s suspension had been overturned by the President of the federation, Gravina, who had personally granted an exception in a “statement against racism.”
“The principle of the fight against all forms of racism is a fundamental element of the sports system,” a statement from the FIGC read.
Lukaku is now back and available to Simone Inzaghi for the second leg of the semi-final at San Siro.