Sports

Lukaku Suspended For Reacting To Racism Abuse

Published

3 years ago

April 22, 2023

Inter Milan striker Romelu Lukaku on Saturday had his one-match suspension, imposed for reacting to racist abuse, revoked by Italian football chiefs after an angry backlash.

Belgian star Lukaku received the ban after picking up two yellow cards, the second for his goal celebration in front of Juventus fans after a stoppage-time penalty which secured Inter a 1-1 Italian Cup draw in Turin two weeks ago.

The Belgium striker held his finger to his mouth and told Juve supporters to “shut up”.

“The principle of the fight against all forms of racism constitutes one of the founding principles of the sporting order,” said Gabriele Gravina, the president of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) after overturning the ban.

He said that the player “has been the target, on several occasions, of serious, repeated and despicable racial hatred and discrimination, at a level capable of justifying formally unlawful conduct.”

The decision means that Lukaku can now play in the second leg of the semi-final in Milan on Wednesday.

“I am really happy about this decision from the president of the FIGC, who has shown great sensitivity to the situation,” said the 29-year-old Lukaku in a statement.

Sports

AFCON 2025: Four Teams Qualify For Round Of 16

Published

3 days ago

December 29, 2025

Editor

South Africa became the fourth team to confirm their place in the last 16 of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

Bafana Bafana edged a five-goal thriller against rivals Zimbabwe, winning 3-2 on Monday evening.

Tshepang Moremi opened the scoring for Hugo Broos’ side, before Tawanda
Maswanhise equalised in the 19th minute.

Lyle Foster restored South Africa’s lead five minutes after the break, but Aubrey Modiba drew the match level in the 73rd minute.

The winning goal came with eight minutes remaining, as Oswin Appollis converted from the penalty spot.

The result took South Africa to six points, one behind group winners Egypt. Both sides have qualified for the next round, alongside Nigeria and Algeria.

Sports

AFCON: Uganda Coach Lists Three Things His Team Must Do Against Nigeria

Published

3 days ago

December 29, 2025

Editor

Uganda head coach Paul Put has outlined three key areas his side must focus on to secure victory against Nigeria when both teams clash in Tuesday’s Africa Cup of Nations tie.

Put’s side must claim all three points against the Super Eagles or risk an early exit from the competition. The Cranes have just one point in Group C after their opening two matches.
A win against Nigeria could see Uganda qualify as one of the best third-placed teams.

However, speaking at his pre-match press conference on Monday, Put said that for Uganda to overcome Eric Chelle’s side, they must “concentrate be very prepared and win their duels” against Nigeria.

“We have to go for it [win against Nigeria] and we will do it,” Put said.

“Nigerians play at a high level in Europe, so we have to be very concentrated, very prepared and win our duels, which is one of the strong points of Nigeria.”