Founded in 2013, Roc Nation Sports was Jay-Z’s big venture into the world of sports representation. The rap superstar’s agency has now come forward to demand justice for their highest-profile soccer client: Inter Milan and Belgium’s Romelu Lukaku.
Immediately after Inter’s Tuesday Coppa Italia clash against Juventus, Lukaku was the subject of racist abuse by a group of fans at Allianz Stadium in Turin. Which prompted the agency to make a statement and plea to Italian soccer authorities.
Michael Yormark, president of Roc Nation Sports, released the following statement: “Romelu scored a penalty late in the game. Before, during, and after the penalty, he was subjected to hostile and disgusting racist abuse. Romelu celebrated in the same manner he has previously celebrated goals.”
(Romelu) was subjected to hostile and disgusting racist abuse
“The Italian authorities must use this opportunity to tackle racism, rather than punish the victim of the abuse. I am certain that the footballing world shares the same sentiment”, Yormark’s plea continued.
Juventus-Inter: chaotic tense moments led to three red cards
The incident occurred after Lukaku scored a late penalty to tie the game (1-1) against Juventus in the first leg of the semifinal game. The forward shushed the crowd, in response to racist chants and sounds he claims were happening throughout the entirety of the game.
The celebration, at the 90+5′ mark of the game, got him a second yellow card, followed up shortly after by a scuffle with Juve’s Juan Cuadrado. Which led to the Colombian player’s dismissal (after throwing a punch), as well as Inter’s GK Samir Handanovic. As a result, possible appeals pending, all three will miss the second leg of the Italian Cup match.
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