Inter Milan’s Acerbi leaves Italy camp amid racism allegation،
Inter Milan defender Francesco Acerbi left the Italian national team's training camp on Monday, accused of abusing his Napoli counterpart Juan Jesus during Sunday's Serie A match.
Juan Jesus, who is black, was visibly upset in the second half when he approached the referee, who then called out Acerbi.
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In close-up television footage, Juan Jesus appeared to tell the referee that Acerbi had used a racist slur. Juan Jesus also showed off the sleeve of his shirt, which bore a “Keep Racism Out” badge – part of the league's anti-racism campaign.
Acerbi joined the Italian team in Rome before the Azzurri fly to the United States on Tuesday for friendlies against Venezuela and Ecuador, but the 36-year-old has now been replaced by Roma defender Gianluca Mancini.
The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) said in a statement that in accordance with the AzzurriItaly's internal politics, Acerbi spoke to Italy coach Luciano Spalletti and the players to explain his own version of the “alleged racist expression” he allegedly used.
“From the account of the Inter defender, while waiting for what happened to be reconstructed in full respect of the autonomy of sporting justice, it appears that there was no defamatory, denigrating or racist intention on his part”, indicated the FIGC.
“It was nevertheless agreed to leave Acerbi out of the group for the next two friendly matches in the United States, in order to guarantee the necessary peace of mind for the national team and for the player himself, who will return to his club today.”
Acerbi's agent and Inter did not immediately respond to requests for comment and the player did not say anything on his social media accounts.
Juan Jesus would not later confirm what had happened.
“What happens on the pitch stays on the pitch,” the Brazilian told DAZN. “Acerbi apologized, he went a little too far with his words. He's a good guy.
“Besides, obviously we are adults, we can resolve the problem on the pitch. He apologized, we moved on and when the referee blows the whistle, everything stops there. Everything is fine.”
Acerbi and Juan Jesus also embraced at the end of the match, which ended in a 1-1 draw – with the Napoli player scoring a late equalizer against his former team.
“I hope this doesn’t happen again because he’s a smart guy,” added Juan Jesus, 32.
Acerbi was not disciplined by the referee.
If the FIGC opens an investigation, Acerbi could potentially face a ban of at least 10 matches if found guilty.
A lot could depend on what is written in the referee's report, which was sent to the sports justice of the Italian league.
