Inter Milan on Friday condemned striker Romelu Lukaku’s Italian Cup semi-final ban saying the “victim” of racist abuse had become the “only guilty party” after Juventus won an appeal against a stand closure.

The Italian Football Federation’s (FIGC) appeals court confirmed Lukaku’s suspension meaning he will be unable to compete in Wednesday’s semi-final, second leg in the San Siro.

On Friday, Inter Milan said it was saddened “that the victim has become the only guilty party”.

Lukaku received the suspension after picking up two yellow cards, the second for his goal celebration on front of Juventus fans after a stoppage-time penalty which secured Inter a 1-1 draw in the first leg in Turin.

The Belgium striker held his finger to his mouth as he has after scoring for his country and told Juve supporters to “shut up”.

On Wednesday, Juventus won their appeal against a one-match stand closure imposed for their fans abuse of Lukaku.

Read the full story on sportsdesk.com.mt...

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