FIFA President Murka Against Racism That Hit Romelu Lukaku In Inter Milan Vs Juventus Match

Inter Milan player Romelu Lukaku. (Photo: Twitter @inter)

JAKARTA - FIFA President, Gianni Infantino, strongly condemns the racism that Romelu Lukaku received in the Inter Milan Vs Juventus match. Infantino was furious with the crowd's actions towards Lukaku that took place in the Coppa Italia first leg semifinal, Wednesday, April 5.

Infantino's attitude towards racism rejection was shown through an official statement he also shared on his Instagram. In that statement, Infantino emphasized that football has no place for perpetrators of racism and discrimination.

"Football has no place for racism or any form of discrimination. It is unacceptable to see racist abuse directed by spectators at Inter Milan striker Romelu Lukaku during the Coppa Italia match against Juventus in Turin on April 4," Infantino wrote.

Big Rom 🎯#ForzaInter #JuventusInter #CoppaItaliaFrecciarossa pic.twitter.com/BfgVItKw5n

— Inter (@Inter) April 5, 2023

Infantino later emphasized that he was behind and fully supported Romelu Lukaku and other footballers not to get racist and discriminatory treatment in any form.

"FIFA and I personally support Romelu Lukaku, just like we do with other players, coaches, match officials, supporters, or football match participants who get racism or other forms of discrimination," said Infantino.

As a tangible form of his firm stance on racism, the FIFA president asked the authorities to impose serious sanctions on racist perpetrators.

"The victims of these violations must be supported, and the perpetrators should be punished by all authorities. I repeat the appeal that I made earlier this year so that fans stand up and silence racist perpetrators," said Infantino again.

"Similarly in football, we need to ensure that strict sporting sanctions are applied to address such incidents and as a precaution."

"Once and for all: not for racism. Not for any form of discrimination," Infantino added.

Previously Lukaku was a victim of racism by Juventus supporters. The situation began when the Inter Milan striker was about to take a penalty, when the audience behind the goal shouted at Lukaku by imitating the sound and movement of the monkey.

Lukaku was able to answer the racism through the execution of a penalty that resulted in a goal with a celebration to cover his mouth. However, this celebration made Lukaku even get a yellow card because it was considered a form of provocation.

Lukaku received the yellow card for the second time in this match, so he finally had to receive a red card and leave the field.