Manchester United striker Romelu Lukaku believes fans “mean well” but has asked club supporters to “move on together” from their controversial chant.
The former Everton striker, signed for £75m this summer by United, spoke via the club’s official Twitter account, in light of the chant that was sung from the terraces during the Champions League match against Basel.
After video footage emerged, anti-racism organisation Kick It Out contacted United regarding offensive lyrics. Set to the tune of the Stone Roses’ Made of Stone, the lyrics make reference to the size of Lukaku’s manhood.
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A Kick It Out spokesperson said earlier this week that “the lyrics used in the chant are offensive and discriminatory” and “racist stereotypes are never acceptable in football or wider society, irrespective of any intention to show support for a player”.
Calling for fans to “respect each other”, Lukaku said via United’s Twitter: “Great backing since I joined MUFC. Fans have meant well with their songs but let’s move on together.”
Before their 4-1 victory over Burton, in which Lukaku was an unused substitute, United posted on social media that “action will be taken against any offensive behaviour”.
United travel to Southampton tomorrow in the Premier League (3pm kick-off).
