Chelsea express support for Romelu Lukaku after Juventus fans direct racist chants at Belgian striker | OneFootball

Chelsea have expressed their support for on-loan striker Romelu Lukaku after Juventus fans racially abused him yesterday.

The club posted on social media today and showed they were behind him.

Lukaku, on loan at Inter Milan, played against the Bianconeri yesterday in a fiery Coppa Italia first-leg clash.

He was on the end of racist chants during the game but got his chance for payback.

Juventus went ahead through Juan Cuadrado, but Inter won a late penalty. Lukaku stepped up to slot the spot-kick home.

The former Everton centre-forward celebrated with his hands to his lips. It was the same celebration he did during the international break for Belgium.

However, Lukaku received a red card for the celebration in front of Juventus fans. The 29-year-old striker was understandably angry.

Juve fans racially abused him in 2019, and he wants something to happen to the perpetrators this time.

United States-based sports agency Roc Nation, who represent Lukaku, condemned the actions of the Juventus fans and demanded an apology from the Turin club.

Juventus said they are collaborating with the police to identify those responsible for the racist gestures and chants.

Italy continues to have a problem with racism. Only three months ago, Napoli fans racially abused Lukaku when they faced Inter.

The day before, Lecce players Samuel Umtiti and Lameck Banda received racial insults from Lazio fans during a league game.

The referee stopped the game multiple times and had to speak through the sound system to get fans to stop.

A few weeks ago, Lazio had to identify and ban a fan who wore a jersey with the name Hitlerson at the Stadio Olimpico.

The Italian football federation (FIGC) has failed to respond decisively to racism, allowing it to fester in their games.