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Soccer star Romelu Lukaku says he is “very disappointed” by sexual violence allegations against a Brazilian woman who says she was sexually abused by a millionaire player.
In a clip published Wednesday, Lukaku said he believed that the claims made by the woman, who says she was raped by a footballer who is expected to be given the World Cup golden boot this year, were “completely false” and he said he felt the player should also be faced with investigation and “inhuman violence.”
“I totally reject these accusations,” Lukaku said in the video, adding that he wanted to meet the player involved and both were men who had achieved success in their careers despite the alleged attack. “I’m very disappointed, I want to see you and confront you in an inhuman way.”
Lukaku was speaking on behalf of his company TDFC that provides sponsorships for soccer and football-related companies and helped launch the Match Program launched by his club, Manchester United. “We should aim to reach a level similar to how FIFA and the UEFA carry on business,” he said.
A statement on the Match Program website said that it “committed to an inclusive social environment within and outside the stadium, and deeply condemns any attack on those within the values of the Match Program.
For the avoidance of doubt, we do not condone any type of violence or harassment anywhere on or off the pitch, and unequivocally reject the false allegations that have recently been made.”