After Inter Milan's appeal was rejected by Italy's Sports Court Of Appeal, the club expressed their disappointment following the issuance of a suspension for striker Romelu Lukaku on Friday - despite the fact that he was a victim of racial abuse in the Coppa Italia semi-final against Juventus.

Lukaku will remain on suspension for the return against Juventus as a result. 

In a statement, Inter Milan said: "FC Internazionale Milano feels it must consolidate its support for the player and expresses great sorrow at the fact that the victim has become the only guilty party" 

According to Lukaku's representatives, the racial abuse incident occurred during the first leg at Juventus "before, during, and after" he scored the penalty that put the team at a 1-1 draw.

Lukaku received a second yellow card during his celebration of a goal, for holding his finger up of his mouth in front of fans - which was deemed provocative. 

Samir Handanovic and Juan Cuadrado were also dismissed following a post-match row as both teams were at each other's throats on the night of the match. 

Juve's goalscorer on the night, Cuadrado has been given a three-match ban for grabbing Handanovic by the neck and punching him, while the Inter goalkeeper was banned for one game for his role in the fight.

Inter, currently second in Serie A, 18 points behind Napoli, has not reached the semi-finals since last winning the trophy under Jose Mourinho in 2010, the last victory for an Italian club in the Champions League.