Inter Milan Boss Conte Speaks Out After Star Striker Lukaku Is Subjected To Monkey Chants

EPA

Antonio Conte has insisted ‘more education is needed in Italy’ after Romelu Lukaku suffered racist abuse during Inter Milan’s 2-1 win over Cagliari.

Lukaku struck home a 72nd-minute spot-kick to seal victory for Inter, but the 26-year-old striker faced monkey chanting from Cagliari fans behind the goal as he waited to take his penalty.

Clearly upset by the abuse, the Belgium international paused and stared in the direction of home fans after finding the net while his new Inter team-mates congratulated him on his second goal in Serie A.

Cagliari’s support have an unpleasant history of racism, with Moise Kean, Blaise Matuidi, Sulley Muntari and Samuel Eto’o all subjected to similar abuse at the Sardegna Arena in recent times.

Conte, who took over from Luciano Spalletti as Inter manager this summer, claimed he was unaware of the chants but called for better schooling on the subject across Italy.

‘Really, I didn’t hear anything from the bench,’ the former Chelsea boss said following Inter’s win.

‘However, it is true that in general more education is needed in Italy. I have also heard Ancelotti complain about the constant insults received on certain pitches.

‘When you are abroad there is more respect, the fans think only of supporting their team.’