A law in the FIGC rulebook explains why referee Davide Massa showed a second yellow card to Romelu Lukaku in the closing minutes of the Coppa Italia semi-final first leg between Inter and Juventus on Tuesday evening.
Lukaku was the protagonist in the closing stages of the cup clash, having tucked away a 95th minute penalty to draw the Nerazzurri level on the night, before being sent off for his celebrations, sparking brawls between players and coaches all over the pitch.
After converting the spot-kick, Lukaku celebrated with a gesture, seemingly aimed at the Juve supporters, lifting a finger to his lips, which appeared as if he were silencing the Bianconeri fans in the stands.
Inter coach Simone Inzaghi later claimed that he hoped Lukaku’s second yellow would be rescinded by the authorities, as he believed his celebration was misunderstood.
Lukaku had used the same celebration after his first of three goals for Belgium in a Euro 2024 qualifying game against Sweden during the most recent international break.
However, the official rule in the referees’ handbook explains why Massa was right to send Lukaku off, even if his celebration was misunderstood.
Article 12 of the official protocol issued in July, 2022 states: “A player must be booked, even if the goal does not count if: he approaches the spectators in such a way as to cause safety problems and/or if he climbs into the supporters’ enclosure.”
Generally, any celebration aimed in the direction of the opposing supporters is viewed as a provocative action.
If his suspension is upheld, Lukaku, along with Samir Handanovic and Juan Cuadrado, who were also sent off, will miss the second leg of the semi-final at San Siro at the end of April.
He didn’t approach anyone though, did he?