“All against racism,” Kylian Mbappe comes in support of Romelu Lukaku over ‘racial abuse’ against Juventus: Reports
French striker Kylian Mbappe supports Romelu Lukaku against racism in football
Kylian Mbappe sends message of solidarity to Romelu Lukaku after Inter star is sent off for reacting to racial abuse by Juventus fans (Image Via- Google)
Paris Saint-Germain forward Kylian Mbappe took to social media to defend Romelu Lukaku in the racist abuse fiasco. Mbappe has hit out at racism in football following yesterday’s scandalous incident which saw Inter striker Lukaku on the end of racist chants from Juventus supporters. Writing in a message on his Instagram story, Mbappe lamented the fact that even in 2023, incidents of this nature still happen in football.
In yesterday evening’s Coppa Italia semifinal first-leg match between Inter and Juventus, sordid scenes occurred. Nerazzurri striker Lukaku was racially abused by some Juventus supporters as he celebrated a late equalizing goal. There is a clear video of some Juventus fans making racist “monkey” chants and other offensive jeers aimed at the Inter striker. Lukaku took it to social media to show how disgusted with whatever happened. Lukaku also wrote on his social media platforms after the incident, saying: “History repeats. Been through it in 2019… and 2023 again. I hope the league really take actions for real this time because this beautiful game should be enjoyed by everyone“.
PSG and French national team forward Mbappe has added his voice to the support around Lukaku. Mbappe commented on the Belgian’s Instagram post hitting out at the racism that he experienced. Kylian reportedly, “It’s 2023 and we’re still dealing with the same problems. But we won’t allow it to keep happening. All against racism!”
Lukaku has reportedly hit out at those racist fans. He has expressed the hope that there will be action taken by the league and the relevant authorities to address the scandal. Meanwhile, many have strongly condemned the racist behaviour of the Juventus fans who directed offensive chants at Lukaku.
However, the reaction to the incident has not just been limited to Italy. There has been a massive show of support from other professional footballers commenting on Lukaku’s post. Several Inter and Belgium teammates have supported Lukaku. He also reportedly received support from Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr., Chelsea’s Reece James, Lyon and former Liverpool defender Dejan Lovren.
Meanwhile, legendary former Inter defender Marco Materazzi also expressed his support for Lukaku in the comments. Former Manchester United and Juventus defender Patrice Evra wrote that “We all need to stop pretending fighting against racism, it’s a crime.”
In case you missed: Copa del Rey Semifinal Leg-2 Real Madrid v Barcelona: Who are the starting XI in lineups?
Mbappe fuming as Nike hands Erling Haaland the “biggest sponsorship deal ever”: Reports
Kylian Mbappe reportedly is frustrated to learn that boot sponsor Nike have handed Erling Haaland a new ‘multi-million-pound’ deal. It is no secret Kylian likes to be the main attraction wherever he goes. Although his key sponsors do not appear to have got the memo on that front.
Both Mbappe and Haaland have already won numerous accolades respectively. They are two of the most exciting prospects to ever emerge on the big stage, and their finances already represent that. Mbappe penned a ground-breaking three-year contract at PSG that made him one of the highest-paid sportspersons ever. And his Nike deal is incredibly lucrative as well.
Mbappe may not be the star of the show at the sports company. The brand announced that they had re-signed Haaland following months of speculation in what is a ‘multi-million-pound deal’, according to reports. Haaland’s contract expired at the end of last season and he was in no rush to pen a new contract with any manufacturer. Though he has finally reached a deal to remain with Nike.
Adidas and Puma both made approaches to the Manchester City forward. But he opted to remain faithful to the company. The finances involved in the deal remain unknown. Previous statements about the money involved would suggest that they surpass Mbappe’s figures. Haaland’s agent Rafael Pimenta said last year that his client would ‘sign the biggest sponsorship deal in the history of football’. And if he has fulfilled that promise then it could have caused a storm internally at the Nike headquarters.
Brands normally have one ‘main’ superstar to be the face of the company. Nike may be forced to go against the norm now that they have boot deals with two of the biggest names in the industry. Additionally, they will need to keep Kevin De Bruyne, Jack Grealish and Marcus Rashford happy with their exposure. Haaland and Mbappe both being signed by Nike mean that the pair also aren’t following in the footsteps of Messi and Ronaldo either. As they were never on the same roster. Ronaldo was the face of Nike throughout his career. Although Messi remained with Adidas to add to the implicit rivalry between the pair.
Related News: “Raul and Benzema have scored better goals,” Lionel Messi’s best friend takes dig at Cristiano Ronaldo over his best goals
“F*ck Racism,” Inter Milan’s Romelu Lukaku responds after getting racially abused by Juventus fans
Arpan Ghosh
(1403 Articles Published)