Juventus’ Juan Cuadrado Criticized For Behavior When Inter Milan’s Romelu Lukaku Sent Off Amid Racist Abuse | OneFootball

Juventus wingback Juan Cuadrado has come in for some criticism for the role that he played in the sending-off of Inter striker Romelu Lukaku and the racism scandal that surrounded the incident.

Today’s print edition of Milan-based newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, via FCInterNews, who argue that the should have supported his fellow professional during the racist abuse from some Bianconeri fans, rather than attempting to get him sent off.

The Gazzetta go into some detail regarding the moments that saw Lukaku sent off during Tuesday’s Coppa Italia semifinal first leg against Juventus.

The racist “monkey” chants are reported to have begun well before the Belgian stepped up to take a late penalty, and the Gazzetta notes that at one point whilst he waited to take the spot kick the Inter striker’s eyes were closed.

Even when celebrating after scoring from the spot, as the 29-year-old went over to “silence” the Bianconeri fans both with a physical gesture and then verbally, the Gazzetta reports that Lukaku had his eyes closed initially.

From the newspaper’s perspective, it is clear that Lukaku was visibly rattled and upset by the racist chants from certain Juventus fans.

It is on this basis that the Gazzetta is critical of Cuadrado, who had played a key part in getting the Nerazzurri striker sent off.

The newspaper argues that a player with the 34-year-old Colombian international’s extensive experience should have recognized the situation and prioritized going over to his own supporters to quiet them down.

Instead, the Bianconeri man spoke to referee Davide Massa to point out the 29-year-old’s celebration, seemingly asking for a yellow card.

Moreover, Cuadrado was involved in a brief confrontation with Lukaku just before the Belgian was given his second yellow card.

From the perspective of the Gazzetta, it is unacceptable that Cuadrado prioritized getting a fellow professional sent off the pitch rather than giving his support and addressing the racist behaviour of his own supporters given the circumstances.