Italian Football Federation have overturned the one-match ban slammed on Romelu Lukaku for his offensive goal celebration against Juventus
Romelu Lukaku bagged a red card after a second yellow card at the death in Inter Milan’s dramatic 1-1 draw against Juventus in Copa Italia semifinal first leg.
The Old Ladies nearly ran away with a narrow first leg win but Lukaku spoiled the party at the dearth.
The Belgian forward converted a stoppage-time penalty to draw the game level.
He was brandished with a yellow card and then a red card after his goal celebration in front of Juventus fans.
Facing the prospect of missing the highly-rated forward in the crunch second leg clash against the Old ladies, Inter Milan appealed the red card decision.
Italy Sports Court on Friday upheld the yellow card decision, implying the former Chelsea forward will serve his one-match ban and miss the second leg tie against Juventus.
Inter Milan had decried the court’s decision citing the racial abuse which was hurled on Lukaku before the goal celebration.
However, in a shock move by Italian Football Federation, the yellow card decision and one-match ban has been overturned.
Italian Football Federation, FIGC, declared the decision to overturn the ban became necessary to buttress the league’s unyielding opposition to racism in Italian football.
The statement by the FGIC claims Romelu Lukaku’s shushing goal celebration was due to the racial slurs hurled at the player by Juventus’ fans hence the yellow card decision and the one-match ban stand suspended.
“The behaviour of the player sanctioned by the match director followed the serious and repeated displays of hatred and racial discrimination by the opposing fans,” the FGIC statement reads.
FGIC added the decision to suspend Romelu Lukaku’s ban is necessary as the Italian football governing body remains committed to “the fight against all forms of racism” and elimination of all forms of racial prejudices from Italy’s sporting systems.
Romelu Lukaku reacts to overturned ban
Lukaku was happy after the FGIC overturned his one-match ban.
He cited a similar incident in which he was racially abused by Cagliari fans in 2019, which went unpunished.
It is now a win for the former Manchester United forward as his one-match ban has been overturned.
Speaking after the FGIC decision, Lukaku hailed the body for upholding justice by overturning the ban.
“I am happy that justice has been done and this sends a clear message to the world of sports and beyond,” Lukaku said.
Romelu Lukaku will now feature in the blockbuster Coppa Italia semifinal second leg clash against Juventus.
Inter Milan Vs Juventus Coppa Italia Kickoff and how to watch
Inter Vs Juventus will take place at the San Siro at 20:00 GMT on April 26, 2022. The match will be streamed live on beIN SPORTS and other online streaming platforms.
