Manchester United striker Romelu Lukaku believes fans “mean well” but has asked club supporters to “move on together” from their controversial chant.
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.
Article continues belowThe Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
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).