FIGC have lifted Romelu Lukaku’s Coppa Italia ban in ‘statement against racism’ and Milan forward Leao backs the decision on Twitter.
Lukaku will be available for the Coppa Italia semi-final second leg against Juventus next week after FIGC decided to overturn a one-match ban for the 29-year-old.
Lukaku had been sent off in the first leg against Juventus on April 4. He was shown a second yellow card after a goal celebration that was seen as disrespectful to the home crowd. However, most of the 5.000 Juventus fans in Curva Sud had targeted him with racist chants and monkey noise so he responded with his usual goal celebration.
Leao has shown appreciation for FIGC’s decision, sharing the news on his Twitter account and adding clapping emojis.
Lukaku also reacted with a brief statement released to ANSA:
“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,” said the Belgian forward.
Leao and Lukaku will face off on the pitch in the Champions League semi-finals. The first leg will be played on May 10, while the decider is scheduled for May 16.