Inter’s request to overturn Romelu Lukaku’s suspension for his goal celebration at the Allianz Arena in response to racist chants, has been denied. Lukaku rescued the Nerazzurri a draw in stoppage time, and immediately turned to the Curva Sud, putting a finger on his mouth to shush the home fans and hitting them with the salute.
The Belgian striker will now miss the Coppa Italia semi-final second leg against Juventus at the Stadio Meazza, and Inter are reasonably disappointed for the ruling to have gone against them.
In an official statement, the Nerazzurri condemned FIGC’s final say.
“The FIGC’s National Court of Appeal today confirmed the suspension of Romelu Lukaku, who will be unable to participate in Wednesday’s Coppa Italia semi-final. FC Internazionale Milano feels it must consolidate its support for the player and expresses great sorrow at the fact that the victim has become the only guilty party.”
Lukaku was subject to racial abuse and vile chants during the first leg arising from the Curva Sud, which was reopened after Juventus registered complaints against the reported perpetrators.
Inter Milan have condemned Romelu Lukaku's Italian Cup semi-final ban saying the "victim" of racist abuse had become the "only guilty party". #Interhttps://t.co/v5HwSlqWzw
— beIN SPORTS (@beINSPORTS_EN) April 21, 2023
For what it’s worth, the ruling against Lukaku does add insult to injury, as Inter prepare to welcome the Bianconeri in the highly-anticipated midweek decider.
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