Romelu Lukaku was subjected to racial abuse as he scored the winning penalty that earned a new club Inter Milan victory at Cagliari on Sunday.
The former Manchester United and Everton striker was taunted with monkey noises as he stepped up to take the 72nd-minute spot-kick that sealed Inter’s 2-1 win in the Serie A clash at the Sardegna Arena.
The abuse continued as Lukaku celebrated his goal and the Belgian glared in disgust at the crowd from where the noises came in response.
Lukaku’s goal was his second in as many as games after joining Inter from United in the summer having also scored against Lecc a few days back.
Mois Kea, who is plying his trade at Everto was another player who was subject to racial abuse while playing for Juventus at the same stadium last season.
Kea, 19, scored his ex-aide’s second goal in the 2-0 win at Cagliari and celebrated by catching his arms outstretched, seemingly in response to racist chants.
Cagliari president Tommaso Giulini claimed Kean ’s reaction provoked fans, saying: “What happened at the end was because of a celebration which was wrong and it would have happened with any other player.”
Juventus boss Massimiliano Allegri told Kea “shouldn’t have celebrated in that manner” but called on the authorities to take an action.
Inter boss Antonio Cont said he did not hear the abuse directed at Lukak himself but opined work needs to be done to combat the issue in Italy.
The former Chelsea manager, in a press conference according to Gazzetta, said: “Really, I didn’t hear anything from the bench.
“However, it is true that in general more education is needed in Italy. I have additionally heard Ancelott gripe about the consistent put-down got on specific pitches.”
“When you are abroad there is more respect, the fans think only of supporting their team,” he added.
