Lukaku avoids Europa League medal award

Inter Milan striker Romelu Lukaku did not collect his runners-up medal after their UEFA Europa League final defeat to Sevilla in Cologne on Friday.

Lukaku scored an unfortunate own goal at the RheinEnergieSTADION as he put his foot out to try and block an overhead kick from Diego Carlos, unaware that it was going wide.

However, his touch changed the ball’s path back goal-wards and left goalkeeper Samir Handanovic helpless to try and stop it.

It was a sad end to a campaign which promised so much for the Belgian attacker who had scored in eleven consecutive Europa League matches as Antonio Conte’s side came close to European glory.

He had earlier scored the game’s opening goal, converting a fifth minute penalty which he had won but the lead did not last long, as Sevilla striker Luuk de Jong quickly evened it up with an impressive diving header a few minutes later. The Dutchman was on hand for his and Sevilla’s second of the night with yet another header – this time from a trickier angle and further out as he impressively looped his effort over the defenders and goalkeeper.

Diego Godin then made it all square with a header of his own before the break to end a fast-paced first half display.

The crucial moment came, however, when Lukaku’s outstretched foot saw the Sevilla players and staff jump for joy with just over ten minutes left on the clock.

The Inter Milan goalscorer had a one-on-one chance during the second period but failed to convert as the LaLiga outfit went on to secure their sixth Europa League title in 14 years.

The aftermath of the defeat was all too much for the Belgian striker, who did not attend the ceremony as the Serie A side were awarded their silver medals.