Romelu Lukaku calls for action after racist abuse during match

Racist abuse of footballer Romelu Lukaku during Tuesday's match between Inter Milan and Juventus has sparked widespread outrage. In a short statement on Instagram on Wednesday, the Belgian striker urged Serie A to act. 

“History repeats … Been through it in 2019 … and 2023 again …,” Lukaku wrote. “I hope the league really take actions for real this time because this beautiful game should be enjoyed by everyone …”

Juventus fans hurled racist abuse at Lukaku after he equalised for Inter from the penalty spot in Turin on Tuesday night. Lukaku celebrated the goal by putting his finger to his mouth in front of the opposition fans. The referee deemed the gesture provocative and showed Lukaku a second yellow card.

"There is no place in football for racism or any form of discrimination. The racist comments made by spectators towards Inter Milan striker Romelu Lukaku are simply unacceptable," FIFA president Gianni Infantino said in a statement.

"FIFA and I stand behind Romelu Lukaku. The victims of these abuses must be supported and the perpetrators duly punished by all authorities," he said. "We must ensure that strict sporting sanctions are applied to address and prevent such incidents in the future. Once and for all: No to racism. No to all forms of discrimination."

Paris Saint-Germain and France striker Kylian Mbappé also spoke out in support of Lukaku. "2023 and still the same problems, but we're not going to let it happen," he wrote on Instagram.

^{Inter Milan’s Romelu Lukaku celebrates after scoring during the Italian Cup semi-final between Juventus and Inter Milan on 4 April 2023 © PHOTO MARCO BERTORELLO / AFP}