Inter Milans forward Romelu Lukaku (c) argues with Juventus midfielder Juan Cuadrado from Colombia during the Italian Cup semi-final first leg football match between Juventus and Inter Milan on April 4 2023 at the "Allianz Stadium" in Turin. (Photo by Marco BERTORELLO / AFP)
On Thursday, Juventus received a one-match stand closure as a punishment for their fans racially abusing Romelu Lukaku, the Inter Milan striker, during the first leg of the Italian Cup semi-final between the two teams. The lower tier of the Allianz Stadium’s South Stand will be closed for one game following the racist chanting from the majority of fans in that section before and while Lukaku scored his stoppage-time penalty that earned Inter a 1-1 draw on Tuesday. Lukaku was sent off after receiving a second booking for his celebrations in front of the home supporters. The Italian Football Association confirmed his red card, resulting in a one-match suspension. Both teams got into a heated argument following the match, with Juve’s goalscorer Juan Cuadrado receiving a three-match ban for grabbing Inter goalkeeper Samir Handanovic by the neck and punching him. Handanovic was banned for one game for his involvement in the altercation.
