Milan: Napoli defender Juan Jesus criticized Francesco Acerbi on Monday for denying racist abuse after the Italy international was forced to leave the Azzurri training camp ahead of two friendlies in the United States.
Jesus initially played down the incident following Napoli’s 1-1 draw at Inter Milan on Sunday, telling DAZN “what happens on the pitch stays on the pitch” after accepting an apology from Acerbi on the pitch for unspecified insults.
Brazilian Jesus, who headed home Napoli in a late equalizer at the San Siro, was seen protesting referee Federico La Penna, pointing to a Keep Racism Out badge on his shirt and apparently saying “(Acerbi) called me black”.
Acerbi left Italy’s training camp following reports he would be investigated for alleged abuse and was replaced by Roma centre-back Gianluca Mancini in the 28-man squad selected ahead of matches against Venezuela and Ecuador in preparation for Italy’s European title defence. .
On his return to Milan, he insisted he “didn’t say anything racist”, echoing what his agent Federico Pastorello told radio station Radio Sportiva earlier on Monday.
This prompted an angry reaction from Jesus on Instagram: “I thought the incident was over on the pitch and I honestly hoped I wouldn’t have to go back to something so disgusting.”
“However, today I read Acerbi’s comments, which are completely contrary to what happened, what he himself said on the pitch, which is supported by the video of him asking for my forgiveness,” added Jesus.
“I don’t want it, racism will be fought here and now. Acerbi told me ‘get lost black, you’re just a Negro’… now he’s changed course and says there was no racism.”
Jesus’ reaction is bad news for Acerbi, as Italian Football Federation (FIGC) regulations say he will be banned for at least 10 matches if found guilty of racially abusing the Brazilian.
And the authorities can ask for an even longer ban if they believe his behavior warrants it.
A guilty verdict would be guaranteed to end his club season with Inter, who are set to win their 20th league title as they lead AC Milan by 14 points with nine games remaining.
And disciplinary authorities are likely to insist that any possible ban be extended worldwide with the euro starting on June 14.
Serie A told AFP that a regular report from the division’s “sporting judge” Gerard Mastrandre would be published on Tuesday.
The document, which is usually released the day after each round of matches ends, should confirm whether Acerbi will be investigated over the incident.
In a brief statement, Inter said they would “meet the player as soon as possible to clarify the exact details of what happened”.
