Romelu Lukaku was subjected to sickening racist taunts during Cagliari vs Inter Milan. The Belgian has only just arrived in Italy following his move from Manchester United. As the striker stepped up to take a penalty that would put the Nerazzurri 2-1 in front, monkey noises could be heard from the stands behind the goal. Testament to his professionalism, Lukaku kept his cool and finished from the spot - but no player should be put in that position, especially not in 2019. Unfortunately, this particular set of supporters have form too. 

Cagliari fans also abused Moise Kean during his time at Juventus. 

A year before that, they targeted Blaise Matuidi and back in 2017, Sulley Muntari was another victim.

All the way back in 2010, Samuel Eto'o had the same problem.  

In short, it's no secret even to Serie A's vaguest followers that racism has long been a huge problem in the division and one which is not going away any time soon.

The issue is currently under the spotlight in England, where the likes of Paul Pogba, Kurt Zouma, and Marcus Rashford among others have been abused online.

The incident against Lukaku can be seen below: 

Shockingly, the fans continue to go unpunished. 

For all the rhetoric against racism in football, the inescapable fact is that simply not enough is done to clamp down on this kind of behaviour. 

Points deductions, players walking off the pitch, games suspended - this is the kind of concrete action needed. 

Until a clear message is established, footballers will continue to be abused. 

Lukaku deserves enormous credit for his display of defiance, staring the supporters down as he and his teammates celebrated his goal. 

Other Inter players were also seen shushing the fans while Antonio Conte looked devastated on the touchline. 

Their victory takes Inter to the summit of Serie A as the Conte revolution gears up.