World Cup: Chelsea FC’s Romelu Lukaku Apologized For Substitution Tantrum

Chelsea FC striker Romelu Lukaku was substituted early in the second half of Belgium’s 1-0 victory over Russia and reacted poorly with a petty tantrum but has since apologized to his coach Marc Wilmots. Lukaku shook Wilmots’s hand but kicked a boot on the bench and went on a tirade before snapping at a teammate that tried to calm him down. It was a poor display by the young striker who has tried so hard recently to show that he has matured as a person and as a player.

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Romelu Lukaku has struggled in his first two World Cup games and was rested in the match against South Korea. He was brought off early in the first matches and his replacement Divack Origi has looked more composed and dangerous in his stead. Origi even scored the winner against Russia by making the type of smart run in support of Eden Hazard that Romelu Lukaku was simply not making.

Marc Wilomts on Romelu Lukaku’s apology:

"“I talked to Romelu and it was a good chat. I know very well how he feels. The same thing happened to me in the 1994 World Cup. I didn’t play in the first games and when I did get a start, I was too eager to prove myself. Neither Romelu nor myself were happy with the game he had and his reaction. He has apologised and for me that is the end of the story. I don’t look back — I look at the future. That is what interests me. Romelu trained well yesterday and looked happy. Every player wants to show himself in a World Cup but it is not going to change your life.”Source: ESPNFC.co.uk"

Romelu Lukaku clearly has a bit of growing up to do but it was nice to see him show some serious passion and disappointment at the way he was playing. He struggled to make any real impact on either of the games he played in but he has another chance to showcase his skills against the United States on Tuesday. That type of tantrum would not fly under Jose Mourinho but passion is always a good thing even if it was a bit misplaced by the young striker.

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