United fans urged to end ‘racist’ Lukaku chanting

Kick It Out has called for Manchester United fans to stop a “racist” chant about striker Romelu Lukaku.

The player arrived from Everton in the summer in a deal that could reach £90 million and has quickly become a popular figure among supporters, netting seven goals in as many games.

Lukaku already has a chant in his honour but the song, to the tune of Stone Roses’ Made of Stone, references the size of his penis, using a stereotype about black men that has led Kick It Out to call for action.

A spokesperson from the anti-discrimination body said: “Kick It Out is aware of footage of alleged racist chanting by supporters of Manchester United that emerged on Wednesday evening [13 September].

“The lyrics used in the chant are offensive and discriminatory. Racist stereotypes are never acceptable in football or 0 Romelu Lukaku: Popular among the United supporters. wider society, irrespective of any intention to show support for a player. We have contacted Manchester United regarding the issue.”

Scott Patterson, who runs The Republik of Mancunia blog, called the chant “drivel that belongs in the 1980s”.

“Here we have a hugely talented striker, currently the top scorer in the league, yet he’s reduced to us celebrating the supposed size of his d***,” he posted. “It’s a cheap and insulting stereotype that has no place in this day and age.”