Juan Jesus Reiterates Racist Abuse From Acerbi As The Inter Defender Faces A Lengthy Ban
Written By Onyeka Daniel
The racism abuse accusation between former Inter Milan defender, Juan Jesus and Francesco Acerbi continues to rage on. In a recent interview, Acerbi continued to insist that he ‘certainly did not say anything racist’ to Juan Jesus during Inter’s match against Napoli, but accepts he had to be excluded from the Italy squad.
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Acerbi arrived back at the train station in Milan this evening and was greeted by a gaggle of reporters asking questions. “Guys, I did not say anything racist, this is for certain,” replied Acerbi when asked about the situation. Juan Jesus wrote on Instagram that he merely defended his ‘rights’ on the pitch.
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“I haven’t spoken to Juan Jesus. I can certainly say that nothing racist came out of my mouth.” So then why did the Napoli defender say that he had apologised? “I think he might’ve misunderstood. Why should I apologise? All I know is that I did not say any racist phrases. I have been playing football for 20 years and I know what I say.
“Many things happen on the pitch, that is normal, but when the referee blows his whistle, you shake hands and it all goes back to how it was before. “I hope the battle against racism continues in every part of the world.”
So what did Italy coach Spalletti tell Acerbi? “That is between us. I am sad to leave, but it’s right that it went this way.” He further added. But the Napoli defender has now hit back. “The matter had been closed for me yesterday on the pitch with Acerbi’s apology and frankly I would’ve preferred not to go back over the ignoble thing I had to deal with.
“However, today I read Acerbi statements that are totally in contrast with what really happened, with what he said yesterday on the pitch and the evidence also shown by footage with unequivocal lip-reading in which he asked for my forgiveness. “I will not stand for this. Racism must be fought here and now.
“Acerbi told me ‘Go away you n***o, you are just a n***o.’ Following my protest to the referee, he admitted that he made a mistake and apologised, adding: ‘for me n***o is just an insult like any other.’ “Today he changed his version of events and maintains there was no racist insult. “I have nothing more to add. #notoracism” He wrote on his Instagram page.
Meanwhile…
Inter have yet to speak with Acerbi to clarify what happened and Italy coach Luciano Spalletti added that the defender insisted he had not used any racist words. Spalletti, who worked with Juan Jesus at Napoli, also confirmed he tried to contact the Brazilian to get his version of events, but his phone was switched off.
According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, it is unlikely that the sports judge will issue a judgement on Acerbi today, but he will require supplementary investigation to determine a potential ban for the Inter defender.
The report further stated that it is still unclear whether he racially abused Napoli‘s Juan Jesus and what exactly he said during Inter-Napoli on Sunday. This doesn’t mean Acerbi won’t be banned.
Read Also: “I Am Satisfied Because I Saw Character, The Team Fought And They Were Involved In The Match”
In fact, according to Gazzetta, the sports judge will require a supplementary investigation to clarify what happened at San Siro. Prosecutors will scrutinise videos and hear witnesses to determine what Acerbi told Juan Jesus and whether the Italian defender deserves a ban.
If Acerbi is found guilty, he will be banned for at least 10 Serie A games, as provided by Article 28 of the Code of Sports Justice. For now, Inter haven’t taken any action, and they will probably wait until the end of the investigation before taking an action.
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