ROMELU LUKAKU and Chris Smalling embraced before Inter Milan played Roma after they were involved in a vile race storm in Italy.
The ex-Manchester United pair featured on the back of Italian paper Corriere dello Sport with the headline “Black Friday”.
Chris Smalling and Romelu Lukaku embraced ahead of Inter vs Roma clashCredit: Reuters
The pair were centre of a vile racism storm in ItalyCredit: Reuters
Both players hit out at the publication – now BANNED by both Roma and AC Milan – before the game.
And the pair were united on the pitch as they embraced before kick off at the San Siro.
Lukaku was racially abused earlier this season when he was targeted with monkey chants by Cagliari fans.
The two ex-United stars go up against each other in the Serie A clash – but in the build-up both released reluctant statements.
Smalling wrote: “Whilst I would have liked to spend the day focusing on the big game tomorrow, it is important that I acknowledge that what occurred this morning was wrong and highly insensitive.
“I hope the editors involved in running this headline take responsibility and understand the power they possess through words, and the impact those worlds can have.”
Meanwhile, Lukaku wrote: “Instead of focusing on a battle between two teams… Correire dello Sport comes with the dumbest of headlines I have ever seen in my career.
“You guys keep fuelling the negativity and the racism issue instead of talking about the beautiful game that’s going to be played at the San Siro between two great clubs.
“Education is key. You guys at Corriere dello Sport should do a better job that that.”
The ex-Man Utd pair featured on the back of Italian paper Corriere dello Sport with the headline ‘Black Friday’Credit: AP:Associated Press
Lukaku’s Inter and Smalling’s Roma played out a 0-0 drawCredit: Reuters
Inter and Roma played out a 0-0 draw at the San Siro that left the home side two points above Juventus – although the Old Lady have a game in hand.
England boss Gareth Southgate was pictured at the game with Three Lions No2 Chris Holland.
Smalling has impressed during his loan spell in Italy and is back in the thoughts of the national team manager.
Smalling and Lukaku both left Old Trafford for Serie A this summerCredit: EPA
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
