Inter defender Acerbi could face ban if officials find he racially abused Napoli's Juan Jesus
Mon, Mar 18, 2024
Soccer News (AP)
MILAN (AP) - Inter Milan defender Francesco Acerbi could face a lengthy ban if Italian soccer authorities determine that he racially abused Napoli counterpart Juan Jesus in Sunday's Serie A match.
Juan Jesus, who is Black, was visibly upset in the second half when he walked up to the referee, who then called over Acerbi.
In close-up television images, Juan Jesus seemed to be telling the referee that Acerbi had used a racist slur. Juan Jesus was also pointing at his shirt sleeve, which had a 'Keep Racism Out' badge - as part of the league's anti-racism campaign.
However, Juan Jesus would not confirm afterward what happened.
"What happens on the field, stays on the field," the Brazilian told DAZN. "Acerbi apologized, he went a bit over the top with his words. He is a good guy.
"Moreover, obviously we're adults, we can sort it out on the field. He apologized, we moved on and when the referee blows his whistle everything ends there. It's fine."
Acerbi and Juan Jesus also embraced at the end of the match, which finished in a 1-1 draw - with Juan Jesus scoring a late equalizer against his former team.
"I hope it doesn't happen again because he's an intelligent guy," the 32-year-old Juan Jesus added.
Acerbi wasn't disciplined by the referee.
If the Italian soccer federation decides to open an investigation, Acerbi could eventually face a ban of at least 10 matches. Much could depend on what has been written in the referee's report, which has been sent to the Italian league's sporting judge.
Acerbi did not speak to media after the match and the 36-year-old has joined up with the Italy squad in Rome before the Azzurri fly to the United States on Tuesday for friendly matches against Venezuela and Ecuador.
Both Acerbi's agent and Inter did not immediately respond to requests for a comment.
Acerbi has not commented on his social media accounts.
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