STOP THE RACIST LUKAKU CHANT
United clamp down on song
MANCHESTER United will monitor their fans’ chants during the Carabao Cup tie against Burton Albion tonight after a song about Romelu Lukaku was branded racist by the Kick It Out campaign.
United yesterday made contact with the anti-discrimination body who claim the song’s reference to the size of Lukaku’s manhood is ‘ offensive and discriminatory’ because it reinforces ‘racist stereotypes’.
Stewards in the singing section at Old Trafford will be told to listen out for the chant and the club are also expected to speak to fans in that area of the ground before kick-off. The song, to the tune of Made
of Stone by Manchester band The Stone Roses, was heard during the last two home games against Basle and Everton. It has only been sung by a minority of supporters so far, but the adverse publicity has guaranteed it a much wider audience on social media.
Lukaku has become a firm favourite with United fans by scoring seven goals in his first seven games since signing from Everton for £75million.
However, a statement from Kick It Out read: ‘Racist stereotypes are never acceptable in football or wider society, irrespective of any intention to show support for a player.
‘We have contacted Manchester United regarding the issue and will be working closely with them and the FA to ensure that it is addressed swiftly.’
Lukaku may be rested tonight as manager Jose Mourinho makes changes to his United team, who are joint top of the Premier League.
Mourinho revealed that he has given goalkeeper David de Gea, Eric Bailly, Nemanja Matic and Antonio Valencia time off. However, he insisted that the cup holders will not treat their Championship opponents lightly as he tries to win the trophy for a record fifth time as manager.
‘It’s football, it’s a competition and we take it seriously,’ he said. ‘I know the quality of the Championship and I know if we don’t take it seriously, we are going to lose.’
Club captain Michael Carrick, who has not played a single minute of football this season after signing a new contract, could be given much-needed game time, as could Ander Herrera.
Mourinho said: ‘Herrera was player of the season and is not starting matches, that’s life in big clubs.
‘Carrick is a good player, an important player. He is just in a team where in this moment Matic and Marouane Fellaini are in the best form I have ever seen them.’