Romelu Lukaku’s ban for response to racist abuse overturned

Serie A Romelu Lukaku’s ban for response to racist abuse overturned

Mark Kinyanjui 14:30 - 23.04.2023

However, after assessing the report of the incident, the president, Gabriele Gravina has said that the suspension has been rescinded in a statement.

Italian football federation has overturned a ban imposed on Inter Milan striker Romelu Lukaku after he reacted to racial abuses.

The Belgian striker was sent off after responding to racist taunts with a celebration appearing to tell them to shut up during their Copa Italia semi-final first leg clash against Juventus on April 4.

Lukaku netted a 95th minute penalty to earn Inter Milan a draw and then proceeded to celebrate in that manner.

The 29-year old striker poured his frustrations out using that celebration after he had been subjected to racist abuse throughout the match.

Referee David Massa issued him a second yellow card earning him a one match ban, a decision the Italian Federation initially upheld.

However, after assessing the report of the incident, the president, Gabriele Gravina has said that the suspension has been rescinded in a statement.

“Having evaluated the serious show of racial discrimination that he was subjected to by opposing fans, as revealed by the prosecutor’s report, this order highlights how the fight against any form of racism is one of the founding principles of the sporting system,” it read.

Juventus had a partial stadium ban lifted on appeal earlier in the week, leading to outrage that Lukaku — the victim — was the only one punished.

Lukaku’s management company was furious after the incident and called for action. He will now be available for the second leg of the semi-final on Wednesday.

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