Roc Nation Sports International, who represent Romelu Lukaku, released a statement condemning the ‘despicable’ racist insults from Juventus fans against the Inter striker, who was then sent off to ‘punish the victim of abuse.’
The incident occurred after Lukaku converted a stoppage-time penalty in the 1-1 Coppa Italia semi-final at the Allianz Juventus Stadium in Turin.
Some racist ‘monkey noises’ were heard from behind Mattia Perin’s goal as he was preparing to take the spot-kick, but Lukaku received a second yellow card for making a ‘provocative’ gesture in his celebration, urging the fans to be silent.
Lukaku was saying ‘muto’ – the Italian equivalent of ‘shut it.’
He had already been booked, so this turned into a dismissal.
This evening, President of Roc Nation Sports International Michael Yormark released a formal statement.
“Tonight’s racist remarks made towards Romelu Lukaku by Juventus fans in Turin were beyond despicable and cannot be accepted.
“Romelu scored a penalty late in the game. Before, during, and after the penalty, he was subjected to hostile and disgusting racist abuse. Romelu celebrated in the same manner he has previously celebrated goals. The referee’s response was to award a yellow card to Romelu.
“Romelu deserves an apology from Juventus, and I expect the League to condemn the behaviour of this group of Juventus supporters immediately.
“The Italian authorities must use this opportunity to tackle racism, rather than punish the victim of the abuse.
“I am certain that the footballing world shares the same sentiment.”
It is sadly not the first time that a response from a player to racist insults has been penalised far more than the abuse that caused it.
There has already been an incident this season that saw a referee misunderstand a goal celebration as being provocative or insulting towards the opposition supporters.
Atalanta forward Ademola Lookman was booked for his ‘binoculars’ gesture, as the official did not realise it was his trademark and a reference to his own name.
The IFAB rules do state that: “A player must be cautioned, even if the goal is disallowed, for acting in a provocative, derisory or inflammatory way.”