Racism in football is at ‘all-time high’ – Lukaku

Belgium striker Romelu Lukaku believes racism in football is at an “all-time high” ahead of the start of the European Championships.

Lukaku, who is preparing for Belgium’s opening game of the Euros against Russia on Saturday, has received racial abuse a number of times throughout his football career, notably when he was the subject of monkey chants from fans in 2019.

Today, he thinks abuse towards players is only getting worse.

“I think racism in football right now is at the all-time high. Why? Because of social media now as well,” Lukaku told CNN Sport.

“I understand why people like Thierry Henry are blocking social media because it’s easy, you can track somebody down … The social media companies, they have to do more for me.”

When it comes to football’s response to racism, Lukaku also pointed to the formation of the Super League, a proposed restructure of club football in Europe that fell apart as a number of teams withdrew following strong criticism from fans.

“When the Super League started, people were very quick to shut it down on social media … people and fans were going on the streets (to protest),” said Lukaku.

“I’m the same, I didn’t want it to happen. But why don’t you put the same energy when it’s about racism as well? Because it’s the same platforms, basically.”

Lukaku, whose goal helped Belgium to a 1-0 victory against Croatia on Sunday, scored 24 league goals last season as Inter Milan won its first Scudetto since 2010.

His Belgium team are among the favorites to win the upcoming Euros having never won the tournament before.

After finishing third at the 2018 World Cup, Roberto Martinez’s side won all 10 of its qualifying games for the Euros and now prepare to contest a group featuring Finland, Russia and Denmark.

Source: CNN