---
title: "Manchester United: Fans shocked by treatment of Romelu Lukaku and Chris Smalling"
canonical: "https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/manchester-united-fans-shocked-by-treatment-of-romelu-lukaku-and-chris-smalling/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Emilio Galantini"
section: "Manchester United Football Club"
published: "2019-12-06T16:35:57Z"
modified: "2019-12-06T16:35:57Z"
---

# Manchester United: Fans shocked by treatment of Romelu Lukaku and Chris Smalling

**Ahead of a highly anticipated Serie A clash between Inter Milan and Roma this evening, former Manchester United duo Romelu Lukaku and Chris Smalling were on the receiving end of a [controversial headline](https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/50668979) that has sent shockwaves throughout the footballing world.**

Italian newspaper Corriere dello Sport produced a questionable headline with the words ‘Black Friday’ as they reported the build-up to a clash of the titans in Serie A, with many onlookers observing the fact that this title was directed at Lukaku and Smalling – [hinting at racist undertones](https://www.espn.co.uk/football/internazionale/story/4006561/inter-roma-condemn-black-friday-lukaku-smalling-front-page).

Both Smalling, who is currently on loan from the Red Devils at Roma and Inter striker Lukaku were particularly shocked at their treatment – [criticising the headline themselves](https://www.teamtalk.com/news/lukaku-smalling-issue-statements-condemning-black-friday-headline) as they prepare to face off against each other in the clash.

As a result, many United supporters had their say on social media regarding the incident – with loads of fans flocking to support their former heroes amidst this highly controversial publication.

Here’s what fans had to say on Twitter:

> It just seems to be getting worse. Ban Italian teams from European competition. Something has to change.
>
> — Harrington (@Centuriohn) [December 5, 2019](https://twitter.com/Centuriohn/status/1202379602049589248?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

> horrid, repulsive, honestly immature, i wonder who was in office thinking “oh that’s great yeah let’s publish that!”
>
> — . (@a\_nOAJA) [December 5, 2019](https://twitter.com/a_nOAJA/status/1202378219279847424?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

> Why are we even surprised any longer? Nothing is changing in Italy.
>
> — Steven Hastings (@iAmSteven7) [December 5, 2019](https://twitter.com/iAmSteven7/status/1202379483082379264?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

> embarrassing
>
> — portion traveller (@portiontraveler) [December 5, 2019](https://twitter.com/portiontraveler/status/1202489611861348352?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

> No shame at all
>
> — Mani (@UtdMani) [December 5, 2019](https://twitter.com/UtdMani/status/1202378378063552512?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

> Is this a parody they couldn’t get away witthis can they
>
> — Denis Joyce (@DenisJoyce9) [December 5, 2019](https://twitter.com/DenisJoyce9/status/1202383940469895170?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

\[freshpress-poll id=”264894″\]

***United fans, do you regret letting Smalling leave on loan? Let us know below!***