Stadium ban for 171 fans Juventus for racist chants toward Lukaku

Turin police have imposed stadium bans on 171 Juventus supporters for racist verbal abuse of Romelu Lukaku, Internazionale’s Belgian striker. The duration of the stadium bans will be announced later.

Lukaku was racially attacked by Juventus supporters during the first semifinal of the Italian Cup tournament in early April.

When the Inter player then scored a penalty kick, he celebrated by cheering with a finger in front of his mouth. The referee then gave him a yellow card for provocative behavior. It was the second yellow card for Lukaku, who had to leave the field and was suspended.

That suspension led to much criticism. Inter appealed, but it was rejected. The Italian Football Federation then intervened after all and put a line through the suspension, as a signal against racism.

As a result, Lukaku can compete in the return of the semifinal in Milan on Wednesday. The first game ended 1-1.

Juventus was also initially punished for fan misbehavior. During the league match with Napoli, part of the so-called Curva Sud had to remain empty, but the Turin club successfully appealed the sanction.