LAGOS, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA ) – Inter are appealing the one-match ban handed to striker Romelu Lukaku after he was sent off for a celebration that responded to racist abuse.
According to Sport Italia, Inter have formally appealed Lukaku’s suspension, which was imposed after the player collected two cautions in the team’s Coppa Italia semifinal first leg against Juventus.
Before he took a late penalty kick, the athlete was the object of racial taunts. Lukaku made the “shh” sign in front of the Juventus supporters after scoring from the penalty spot. He was immediately given a second yellow card and hence suspended for the second leg of the cup match.
There was outrage over his dismissal from the whole football community. In a statement denouncing the action, Lukaku’s management company, Roc Nation, demanded that Juventus give an official apology.
Lukaku’s one-match suspension was subsequently confirmed by the Italian Football Federation, which only fanned the flames.
The Italian authorities were urged to exercise “common sense” in handling such events by Thierry Henry, who assisted in coaching Lukaku while he played for the Belgian national team. In the days following the incident, Kylian Mbappe also defended Lukaku.
Juventus initially faced partial stadium closure as a punishment, but they successfully challenged the penalty.
As a result, their stadium will now be fully occupied when they meet Napoli the following weekend. Just two fans were punished in return with lengthy bans by the Old Lady.
On 26 April, Inter and Juventus will be playing the second leg of their Coppa Italia semifinal match.
