Romelu Lukaku and Chris Smalling respond to Corriere dello Sport’s ‘Black Friday’ headline

Italian football has been plagued by incidents of racism already this season

(CdS)

Romelu Lukaku and Chris Smalling have criticised Thursday’s Corriere dello Sport front page after the Italian newspaper printed an image of the two players alongside the headline “Black Friday”.

The page was part of a preview to a meeting between their respective clubs, Lukaku’s Inter Milan and Smalling’s AS Roma, on Sunday, which focussed on the two former Manchester United players coming up against one another.

The headline overshadowed the article itself which was overwhelmingly positive and highlighted the strengths of the duo, adding: “They [Lukaku and Smalling] have learned how to respect each other. They have taken strong stances against racism.”

Italian football has been plagued by incidents of racism already this season, and Lukaku was racially abused by Cagliari fans who made monkey noises after he scored a penalty.

Roma joined with AC Milan is condemning the headline, and have banned Corriere dello Sport journalists from attending games and press conferences until the New Year.

In a statement posted on social media, Lukaku wrote: “Instead of focusing on a battle between two teams... Corriere dello Sport comes with the most 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 San Siro between two great clubs... education is key. You guys of Corriere dello Sport should do a better job at that.

“Thanks to all the fans and other journalists to highlight for the support and let’s all look forward to tomorrow’s game. Forza Inter.”

Romelu Lukaku said the headline was 'dumb' (AFP via Getty)

Smalling posted a separate statement which read: “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 words can have.

“A big shout out to AS Roma for the support! Now let the battle commence Rom, daje Roma!”

Ivan Zazzaroni, the editor of Corriere dello Sport, earlier denied wrongdoing, insisting the headline was “innocent”.

“It was and is only the praise of difference, the pride of our differences, the magnificent wealth of our differences,” Zazzaroni wrote in a comment piece. “If you don’t understand it, it’s because you can’t or because you do it. An innocent title, however, perfectly argued by Roberto Perrone, is transformed into poison by those who have the poison inside them.”

Uefa said in a statement that the headline choice was “unfortunate” and was “unlikely to help a mature discussion of the serious issue facing the game and wider society”.