From Mbappe to Vinicius Jr: Football world supports Lukaku after racist abuse

Tom Weber

• Updated: 5 Apr 2023 16:14 BST
• 3 min read

The football world has come out in support of Romelu Lukaku after the Inter striker suffered a torrent of racist abuse against Juventus.

Monkey noises and discriminatory chants were hurled at the Belgian during Inter's Coppa Italia semi-final first leg at the Allianz Stadium.

Juventus thought they had won the game when Juan Cuadrado scored the opening goal seven minutes from time, only for Lukaku to equalise with a dramatic stoppage-time penalty. As the 29-year-old stepped up to take his spot kick, the racist chants were heard. After converting, he shushed the crowd defiantly - for which the referee sent him off.

READ: Romelu Lukaku: Chelsea star sent off for racial abuse reaction

Both clubs subsequently issued statements, condemning the incident. "We want to firmly reiterate," Inter wrote on their website, "that we stand united against racism and all forms of discrimination. Football and sport must be not only a vehicle of emotions but also of clear and shared values, which have nothing to do with what we saw last night..."

The home side announced that "Juventus Football Club, as always, is collaborating with the police to identify those responsible for the racist gestures and shouts that occurred last night."

Players show their support

Fellow footballers and teammates have also since come out in support of Lukaku, commenting on his Instagram post that read: "Been through it in 2019.. and 2023 again..I hope the league really takes action for real this time because this beautiful game should be enjoyed by everyone...Thank you for the supportive messages. F*ck racism."

Among the players encouraging Lukaku's message were superstars Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr. Mario Balotelli, Radja Nainggolan and Patrice Evra also showed their support as did a host of others, including current teammate Denzel Dumfries and Inter legend Marco Materazzi.

READ: Lukaku will solve Chelsea’s striker crisis

Lukaku's representatives also issued a statement: "Tonight’s racist remarks made towards Romelu Lukaku by Juventus fans in Turin were beyond despicable and cannot be accepted."