Lazio defender Senad Lulic risks a ban and heavy fine for an astonishing racist insult towards Roma’s Antonio Rudiger.
Lulic spoke to Mediaset Premium television after the Giallorossi won the derby 2-0.
“Rudiger was provoking us even before the game. Two years ago he was selling socks and belts in Stuttgart, now he acts like he’s a phenomenon.
Lazio defender Senad Lulic risks a ban and heavy fine for an astonishing racist insult towards Roma’s Antonio Rudiger.
Lulic spoke to Mediaset Premium television after the Giallorossi won the derby 2-0.
“Rudiger was provoking us even before the game. Two years ago he was selling socks and belts in Stuttgart, now he acts like he’s a phenomenon.
“It’s not his fault really, but the fault of those who are around him. They haven’t taught him good manners.”
When Lulic was pressed to rethink his comment and apologise, he replied: “I said what I think.”
Rudiger is a Germany international, born and raised in that country, who only missed Euro 2016 due to a torn ACL.
The suggestion he was some sort of street seller will cause huge controversy, especially as Lazio are already fighting the reputation of some fans for being racist.
“We made two mistakes and the game was over. These are mistakes we should not be making. In the first half we could’ve scored a goal and it would’ve been a different match.
“We lost one game after a nine-round unbeaten run. From tomorrow we get back to work.”
In another interview, Lulic was asked to apologise for the Rudiger comments, but again refused. "White people sell socks too."
Christian Panucci, who is a pundit on Mediaset Premium, summed up the mood. "Lulic has really hit rock bottom."
Roma were asked by Mediaset Premium to issue a response and would only send this message: "Lulic's words speak for themselves."