Romelu Lukaku and Chris Smalling have slammed Italian newspaper Corriere dello Sport for their 'Black Friday' front page, while AC Milan and AS Roma have banned the outlet.
The controversial front page included pictures of Lukaku and Smalling accompanied with the headline 'Black Friday' ahead of Friday's Serie A clash between their two sides.
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The shocking headline has outraged fans in another huge race storm in Italy.
The ex-Manchester United pair have since hit back at the paper with the Belgium striker describing the headline as the "most dumbest headlines I have ever seen in my career" while the English defender condemned it as "wrong and highly insensitive".
Lukaku Tweeted: "Instead of focusing on a battle between the two teams, Corriere dello Sport comes with the most dumbest of headlines I have ever seen in my career.
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"You guys keep fuelling the negativity and the racism issue instead of talking about the beautiful game that's going to be played at San Siro between two great clubs.
"Education is key. You guys of Corriere dello Sport should do a better job at that. Thanks to all the fans and other journalists to highlights for the support and let's all look forward to tomorrow's game."
Smalling Tweeted: "Whilst I would have liked to spend the day focusing on big game tomorrow, it is important that I acknowledge that what occurred this morning was wrong and highly insensitive.
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"I hope the editors involved in running this headline take responsibility and understand the power they possess through words, and the impact those words can have."
AS Roma and Inter's cross-town rivals AC Milan have both announced that they will not work with Corriere dello Sport until January.
Meanwhile, league leaders Inter entertain AS Roma on Friday.
Featured Image Credit:Topics: Football News, Football, Serie A, Italy
