You don’t hide it anymore - Sky Sports accused of 'racism' after bizarre Ademola Lookman omission

Ademola Lookman celebrates after winning the Europa League final for Atalanta (Credit: IMAGO)

You don’t hide it anymore - Sky Sports accused of 'racism' after bizarre Ademola Lookman omission

Izuchukwu Akawor • Izuchukwu Akawor • 08:00 - 23.05.2024

Ademola Lookman was the hero for Atalanta in their historic Europa League win but was not recognised by Sky Sports in their congratulatory graphic.

Sky Sports is facing fierce criticism and accusations of racism after the sports broadcaster allegedly failed to recognize Ademola Lookman's heroic performance in Atalanta's Europa League final victory over Bayer Leverkusen.

Lookman, the Nigerian international, was the undisputed star of the show, scoring a remarkable hat-trick to secure a historic 3-0 win for the Italian side on Wednesday. 

Sky Sports faces backlash over Lookman

Despite the 26-year-old display against Leverkusen, in Sky Sports, however, in its post-match congratulatory graphic, the match-winner was nowhere to be seen.

Outraged Nigerian fans took to social media to voice their frustration, condemning the apparent snub as a blatant act of racism.

Ademola Lookman lifts the Europa League title after a historic display against Bayer Leverkusen.
Ademola Lookman lifts the Europa League title after a historic display against Bayer Leverkusen. Ademola Lookman lifts the Europa League title after a historic display against Bayer Leverkusen.

"You guys are don't even hide it anymore. Racism without any shame!" read one tweet, while another asked, "Where is Lookman in this picture?"

Another user expressed their disbelief, questioning, "How in seven heavens does this make sense to all of you over there?"

The backlash was swift and unforgiving, with many accusing Sky Sports of deliberately overlooking the Super Eagles star's match-winning exploits.

"Why on earth would you not include the man that scored a hat-trick in the final to win Atalanta their first major trophy in 60 years???" one user asked,

Ademola Lookman with his parents
Ademola Lookman with his parents | Credit: X(Pulse Sports Nigeria) Ademola Lookman with his parents

while another demanded, "His name is ADEMOLA LOOKMAN. He is from Nigeria. He plays for the super Eagles of Nigeria. He scored all three Goals. You should know better and do better."

The outcry has placed Sky Sports under intense scrutiny, with many calling for the broadcaster to address the issue and provide a satisfactory explanation for the apparent snub of the Nigerian sensation.

As the controversy rages on, the spotlight remains firmly fixed on Sky Sports, with the network facing growing pressure to address the allegations of racial bias and ensure that all athletes, regardless of their background, are given the recognition they deserve.

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