Romelu Lukaku's suspension overturned by Italian Football Federation president
By Tom Gott
The president of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) has intervened to overturn the suspension handed to Inter striker Romelu Lukaku.
Lukaku was sent off in the first leg of his side's Coppa Italia semi-final against Juventus earlier this month when he was shown a second yellow card for a 'provocative celebration' after a goal. The Belgian had been subjected to racist abuse during the game and celebrated by shushing the supporters and covering his ears - which earned him a second yellow card.
Inter appealed the decision but Italy's Sports Court of Appeal upheld the ban, prompting FIGC president Gabriele Gravina to overturn the ruling.
The FIGC noted 'unequivocally that the behaviour of the player sanctioned by the match director followed the serious and repeated displays of hatred and racial discrimination by the opposing fans'.
"The measure reiterates how the fight against all forms of racism constitutes one of the founding principles of the sporting system," the statement added.
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Lukaku later thanked the FIGC president for his understanding of the matter.
"I believe that thanks to his intervention justice has been done and this sends out a great message to the whole world of sport and beyond," the Chelsea loanee said.
"This has shown that the desire is there to fight racism."
The decision leaves Lukaku free to face Juventus in the second leg of the Coppa Italia semi-final on 26 April. The score is tied at 1-1 after Lukaku's 95th-minute penalty cancelled out Juan Cuadrado's goal.
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